Soca King Machel Montano was honoured with a Key to the City of Kingston on Sunday evening at the National Stadium.
The event was one of the pivotal moments at the 2023 annual Independence Grand Gala.
Montano’s honor won the approval of nearly all Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) councillors at a special meeting on Friday at its downtown Kingston office.
The councillors gave full approval to the request from the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, and specifically current minister, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, that Montano be honoured.
The resolution noted: “Be it resolved that the Key to the City of Kingston be conferred on Mr Machel Jesus Montano, in recognition of his sterling, awesome and iconic career in music, which has positively influenced many adoring fans across the Caribbean and the world, including many Jamaicans who continue to enjoy his enduring legacy.”
It was tabled by Government councillor Susan Senior and seconded by councillor Kari Douglas, both of whom were convinced of its approval, especially those who have experienced Montano’s local performances.
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