This blog is a fictional “interview” Machel Montano. I extracted lyrics from some of his most popular soca songs and woven them into a made- up conversation to illustrate the importance of building consent culture in Carnival.
Interviewer: Mr. Montano, this carnival, thiefin’ a wine is an offense under the Summary Offenses Act. Public awareness about these protections led to people accusing women and feminists for their “attack on Trinbago culture.” Many women have spoken up demanding a culture of consent. What do you say to persons who think otherwise?
Machel Montano: “You could get charge for wining like dat, you might make a jail.” (Illegal, 2011)
Interviewer: Wow. Is it that the King of Soca believes that he must have consent before he approaches anyone else for a wine each time? What do you do? Do you have to engage in some long talk and ask for permission? Didn’t you tell us that there was “no long talk”?
Machel Montano: “No long talk when we come to wine!” (Lip Service, 2017)
But you need to seek consent of a winer because “All said she wanted was one wine from meh, all said she needed was a little bit of my time.” (One More Time, 2007)
Interviewer: But doesn’t this take away from the fun? Some are even labelling the fun as ‘harassment’!
Machel Montano: I sing with Rose last year. De woman say “Leave me aloneeeeee!” (Leave Me Alone, 2016)
Interviewer: This sounds like a different Double M to me. Aren’t you afraid that you will alienate some of your fans with these views that seem to defend women and promote gender equality?
Machel Montano: “I really don’t care what nobody say…What they say they say because a people does talk…” (What They Say They Say, 1997/1998)
Interviewer: Lately, your statements called out for dabbling in “progressive politics.” People say that you’ve gone “soft” and you should just focus on your music.
Machel Montano: “Dey come out to buss meh head” (Buss Head, 2017)
But…
“I come out to live meh life, live meh life, play a mas and live meh life. I’m the happiest man alive!” (Happiest Man Alive, 2013)
Interviewer: Okay. So how would you tell other young men to approach women in this “carnival of consent”? What should they do or say first?
Machel Montanto: “ I just want to dance, with you. Party over here now, for two, girl I got this feeling so true, whenever I’m dancing with you.” (Dance with You, 2006)
Interviewer: Thank you Mr. Montano. Our interview has come to a close. Do you think our Trinidad and Tobago carnival and society will ever change?
Machel Montano: “When you’re on the right road, don’t turn around, I know, we gonna make it…Yea, yea” (We Not Giving Up, 2005)
