Machel Montano will be launching a record label and safe haven for young artistes shortly after Carnival 2015.
This was announced by his manager Che Kothari during a panel discussion on the life and music of Montano, currently performing under the sobriquet Monk Monte.
The panel discussion, which featured media professionals, a nun, a priest and Montano’s parents, took place at Boisierre House, Queen’s Park Savannah, on Wednesday.
Kothari revealed Montano’s plans to start the organisation which will be called the Monte Incorporated on March 3.
He said the organisation, which would function as a record label on the music side, would seek to sign young artistes.
“We will also expand that into the entire creative industry because we can’t just have a musical artiste without all the other elements.
“The arts have the power to help you achieve your highest level of being and understanding. Art and culture have the power to mitigate social exclusion, poverty and create economic opportunity,” Kothari added.
Montano revealed a surprising side of his personality when he told the audience of an inherent loneliness and spoke about situations in his childhood which made him more comfortable on his own.
He said however that his reinvention as Monk Monte was a symbol of him finding himself.