By: Precious Mills
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 2nd July 2026)— A surprise duo collaboration between reigning Sugar Mas Soca Monarch Brandon and Trinidad and Tobago reigning Power Soca Monarch icon Machel Montano lit up the 28th edition of the St. Kitts Music Festival stage at Warner Park Cricket Stadium, sending patrons into a frenzy.
Shortly before 2:00 A.M on Friday 26th June 2026, the onstage moment unfolded during Machel’s high-energy set, when Brandon—the festival’s opening act—re-emerged for an encore performance of his winning Soca Monarch hit, “Drop It,” sparking instant excitement across the venue as Machel handed the mic to him center stage.
The surprise performance dropped in grande style after the two had remained tight-lipped earlier in the day during a press conference when Machel Montano was asked about the possibility of collaborating with a local artiste from the Federation in general, including Brandon.
Instead, fans and supporters received their answer on stage. As Brandon emerged, the pair fed off each other’s energy while the unmistakable opening of “Drop It” filled the venue.
“I knew this woulda been a bad idea… Machel!… I knew it!… St. Kitts!… Oh no, da riddim ya sweet so!… We going dis way… Point you finger so!… One, two… everybody now! Drop it!” Brandon shouted as fans and music lovers eagerly followed his instructions for the popular dance choreography.
Following Brandon’s appearance, Machel Montano called on patrons to “make some noise for de soca king,” as he (Brandon) exited the stage.
Judging from the crowd’s reaction, there was no doubt that the collaboration was a good idea.
Machel (the second to last performer on the line-up) then seamlessly continued his set with one of his popular collaborations, “Famalay,” (which features Skinny Fabulous from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Bunji Garlin from Trinidad and Tobago).
At Thursday’s (25th June) pre-show press conference, Brandon had reflected on how meaningful the occasion already was. “I’m happy to be a part of this lineup. I want to believe that this lineup was stolen from my playlist,” Brandon lightheartedly expressed. “So yeah, I’m happy to share the stage with these powerhouses.”
He also revealed how his relationship with Machel Montano had come full circle.
“Actually, the last time Machel Montano performed in St. Kitts, I was his videographer. So it’s a full circle moment now to be able to perform on the same stage as him in my past life.”
Brandon also recalled advice Machel once gave him when he expressed an interest in songwriting.
“Machel also said to me, when I told him I wanted to be into songwriting and what’s not, he said, ‘You never know what could happen.’ And then here we are today.”
Confident that patrons were in for a memorable evening, he declared: “So happy to be a part of this lineup… Just going to come out, give the energy. We’ve been preparing a lot. So expect vibes tonight… Oh no, da riddim dey sweet so…we going to drop it tonight.”
Earlier that night, Brandon had the honour of opening the three-night festival (25th to 27th June) backed by the Revelers Band.
Meanwhile, Machel used the day’s press conference to praise the St. Kitts Music Festival, describing it as one of the Caribbean’s premier events while expressing gratitude for the role it played in broadening his exposure to Africa’s music industry.
“I must say congratulations to St. Kitts because this music festival has been a gem of the Caribbean and it all lends to the consistency and quality,” he said.
Having returned after an absence of over 10 years, the soca superstar said the welcome he received upon arrival immediately reminded him why the festival remains so special.
“As soon as I step off the plane, the sort of love and greeting and energy I got from every single person in that airport felt very genuine to me that they were excited…and you know what that means—absence make the heart grow fonder.”
He also reflected on how the festival helped shape one of the most significant international relationships of his career.
“The last time I was here, I had the privilege of performing with one of the greatest African Afrobeats artists, 2Face, and I was only afforded that opportunity because of St. Kitts Music Festival. Since then, I’m really proud. I’m grateful for that, and I’m really proud to say that that has strengthened my relationship with the African music scene and the motherland and the music.”
Machel added: “I think that that is a very noble thing of this festival to reach those distances and those lengths and do things like that. That is what we live for. We live to be among our peers and make good relationships and spread our music to the corners of the globe.”
Questioned by Freedom FM media personality Sweet Sister Sensia about the possibility of collaborating with a local artiste, Machel stopped short of naming anyone but made it clear that such partnerships remain central to his musical philosophy.
“I think it’s knowledge that Machel Montano has always been one of the greatest collaborators, collaborating across the Caribbean region. I’m very proud of that,” he said.
“The second one is the most important one… to collaborate with others and empower, educate and elevate both them and ourselves.”
He further revealed that new work may already be underway locally: “So I don’t want to jump the gun, but I’m already in the works of collaboration here in St. Kitts, so that will be announced at some point in time.”
Only hours later, festival patrons witnessed exactly that spirit of collaboration when the Soca Monarch King and the King of Soca joined forces in a surprise performance that quickly became one of the defining moments of the festival’s opening night.
The night also featured performances from Rucas, a Tribute to Ellie Matt segment (All Star Band), V’ghn, Shelly and the Signal Band, Krossfyah, and Nu Vybes International, all collectively forming a high-energy opening night lineup.