He is the frontman of the immensely popular soca band Xtatik, and is noted for his high energy, fast-paced, and often unpredictable on-stage performances. During his career, which spans over 25 years, he has recorded several songs alongside many of Caribbean music's most popular acts, such as Alison Hinds, Beenie Man, Calypso Rose, Burning Flames, Drupatee, Red Rat, Shaggy, Sparrow, Denise Belfon, Destra, Wyclef Jean, Vybz Kartel, G-Unit, Black Stalin, Mr. Vegas, Doug E Fresh and many others. He now stands as the most sought after soca act in the World.
Born in South Trinidad, Machel attended Presentation College a prestigious secondary school in Trinidad where he was in the choir. Machel first shot to fame as a young boy with the song "Too Young To Soca". In 1984 along with brothers and neighbours the group Parnasonic Express was started and in 1989, the band became Xtatik. The band developed and was re-invented by leader Machel several times as Xtatik 5.0, The Xtatik Circus, Xtatik The Road Marching Band, The Band of the Year and many others. Every year Machel has a new concert to keep his band and his performances fresh.
This year, 2007 they are known as Machel Montano HD (High Definition) and he promotes the concept by saying that he is the first human being to go HD. He is part of the huge campaign in Trinidad and Tobago promoting safe driving - Arrive Alive. Part of the hype surrounding the ever-evolving Machel this year is his HD tour bus. A 20 year old bus from the Public Transport Service Corporation was re-done and includes a bedroom, bathroom facilities, flat screen TVs, inernet access and expansive audio systems. The HD concept seems fitting as the band Xtatik has in the last few years the band has risen to a new level of musicality as each performance is very tight musically and has foreign influences such as Ernesto Luis Gutirrez, its Venezualan percussionist. Kernal Roberts, the son of the late, great Lord Kitchener, internationally famous calypsonian has picked up the role as Xtatik's drummer and musical director and has brought new life to the band.
Montano was also instrumental in the promotion of soca music during the BBC's radio show called 1Xtra. He has released many successful singles, with and without Xtatik, during his career, such as "Big Truck" (Xtatik's most successful single, which won the Road March title in 1997), "Outa Space" (with Beenie Man), "Music Farm" (Xtatik), "It's Carnival" (with Destra), "Band Of The Year" (with Patrice Roberts)(Road March Song for 2006), and "Jumbie" (Road March Song for 2007). Most recently, Montano has taken on a new stage title, refering to himself and his band as "Machel Montano HD" (High Definition), which he claims is a representation of the the evolution of his music over the last 25 years and highly improved style in which his music shall be presented to his fans over radio formats, television, and during live performances.
Possessed
Machel Montano Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Soca I love you (I love you),
Soca I love you, Soca I love you
Soca I love you, Soca I love you,
Soca I love you, Soca I love you...
(African singing ...).
Something about this music...
I can't stop say I can't stop
What name stop, say what name stop
I feel ah possessed.
Taking over me, taking over me soul
Is the kind of feeling that I cannot control
Messing with me body, messing with me mind
Every time it hit me man I does start to whine...
And today ah go make me name
Today ah go change the game
I'm feeling fine...
I don't care about shame,
I want everybody just, leave me alone...
When you see me, please don't bother me
Just stay out me way
Leave me alone, my head in ah mess,
I feel I possessed
‘Cause I can't stop, say I can't stop
What name stop, say what name stop
I can’t stop, say I can’t stop
What name stop, say what name stop
I can’t stop, say I can’t stop
What name stop, say what name stop
I can’t stop, say I can’t stop
Ah jumping up and down on the road like ah jumbie...
Falling down on me self like ah junkie...
Whining all in me bed like ah jumbie...
This thing gone to me head like ah junkie...
I'm possessed...
I out on patrol, 3-zero in me hand
Looking for a fete or to jump up in ah band
I don't have no worries, I don't have no fear
I having the best time, me hands up in the air...
And ah feel me skin go get wail,
Cause I can't behave have me tail
But I don't care, I ain't come here to fail,
I want everybody just leave me alone.
When you see me, please don't bother me
Just stay out me way, leave me alone
My head in a mess, I feel I possessed
‘Cause I can't stop, say I can't stop
What name stop, say what name stop
I can’t stop, say I can’t stop
What name stop, say what name stop
I can’t stop, say I can’t stop
What name stop, say what name stop
I can’t stop, say I can’t stop
Ah jumping up and down on the road like a jumbie
Falling down on me self like a junkie
Whining all in me bed like a jumbie
This thing gone to me head like a junkie
(African singing...
The song "Possessed" by Machel Montano is an ode to and celebration of soca music. The lyrics express the irresistible pull of the music, which seems to take over the body, mind, and soul of the listener. Montano describes the feeling as a possession, something that he cannot control but is happy to surrender to. The chorus repeats the phrase "Soca I love you," driving home the message that this music is an essential part of his identity and expression.
The verses of the song suggest that the music has a transformative effect on Montano. He describes feeling like a different person when the soca music is playing, with his inhibitions and concerns falling away. The lyrics paint a picture of a wild and chaotic scene, with people jumping and whining in the streets like jumbies (ghosts) and junkies. It is a world free from judgment and shame, where everyone is united in their love for soca.
Overall, "Possessed" is a testament to the power of music to move and inspire us. It highlights the unique role that soca music plays in the culture of the Caribbean, and the deep connection that this music has with those who love it.
Line by Line Meaning
Soca I love you, ay ya ya ya...,
The singer expresses his love for the Soca music genre.
Taking over me, taking over me soul
The music is having a profound and powerful impact on the singer, affecting his soul.
Is the kind of feeling that I cannot control
The singer is unable to resist this intense feeling that the music gives him.
Messing with me body, messing with me mind
The music is affecting the singer both physically and mentally.
Every time it hit me man I does start to whine...
The music brings out a particular dance move in the singer (whining).
And today ah go make me name
The singer is determined to make a name for himself in the music industry.
Today ah go change the game
The singer wants to revolutionize the music scene in a significant way.
I don't care about shame,
The singer is not concerned with what others might think of him.
I want everybody just, leave me alone...
The singer requests to be left to himself and not bothered by others.
When you see me, please don't bother me
The singer prefers to be left alone when he is out in public.
Ah jumping up and down on the road like ah jumbie...
The singer is dancing energetically on the street, similar to how a ghost (jumbie) might move.
Falling down on me self like ah junkie...
The singer is so invested in the music that he is losing control of his movements and balance, similar to how someone under the influence of drugs (junkie) might behave.
Whining all in me bed like ah jumbie...
Even in private, the singer is still dancing to the music, similar to how a ghost (jumbie) might haunt a place.
This thing gone to me head like ah junkie...
The music has become an obsession for the singer, similar to how someone addicted to drugs (junkie) might behave.
Contributed by Jason I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@clive6641
I am from reggae country but always loved soca......when I first heard this song it was my introduction to the artistry of Machel Montano. I was sucked in by the collaboration with the African harmony. “Something about this music” touch your very spirit. This was well done.....I hope everybody “ just leave him alone” to be all he can be. This guy and Farmer Nappy can easily keep the dance floor moving.
@erlineandrews
One of the best soca tracks ever. Takes it back to its roots.
@TheShatedra1
Yassss
@BeyondBliss1111
💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
@claudiaradhay4673
@Tedra Murray nnñn nn
@AJ-gy8ho
Love it! 💃🏿
@deemillar8676
Facts. Moves me deep in my soul
@Jay_not_Jay
Up to this day I still love this song and playing it everyday 🇩🇲🔥🎯❤❤❤💙💙
@TheMichgelle
+❤️
@Banana_axolotl
Get goosebumps everytime this song starts to play.. Love it!!