Soca heavyweights Machel Montano and Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez made history a few Sundays ago as they announced a forthcoming collaboration and put an end to years of rumored feuding, which had left fans divided and inspired hostile and debilitating comparisons every Carnival season.
The two soca superstars and recent Soul Train Award winners were summoned onstage together by Leighton “Walshy Fire” Walsh of International DJ, Production and Entertainment phenomenon, Major Lazer during their headlining set as part of the “Sunset Festival”.
Montano had already performed earlier with local DJ Bass Gang and Alvarez was in between songs, when a brisk rain began to fall on the thousands assembled at the Chaguaramas venue. Walsh then called Montano back on stage and put the two together before asking the crowd: “If you say, it’s about time for Machel and Bunji Garlin to do a song together, make some noise!”
The roar of approval from the crowd was deafening as Walsh further incited them: “When I say More, you say Love… More… More… More…” Staged by Woodford Café, Star 947, Jamboree and Premiere Events Company, the “Sunset Festival” attracted one of the largest crowds outside of Carnival to the popular O2 Park venue and featured performances from DJs: ValSTAR, System 32, Bass Gang, Marcus Williams, Lynman Music and Colony.
Local acts such as Kes The Band, Olatunji Yearwood and MX Prime also touched the stage, alongside the headline acts, Montano, Garlin, Skrillex and Major Lazer.