The 40-year biography of Machel Montano, titled _King of Soca_ written by his mother, Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, continues to shine, collecting accolades and admiration across the globe. The most recent recognition comes in **June 2025**, with multiple wins from the **International Book Awards**.
**Latest Wins at the 2025 International Book Awards:**
- Biography: General
- Novelty & Gift Book
- Performing Arts: Film, Theater, Dance, Music
In addition, _King of Soca_ was named a **finalist** in the following categories:
- Nonfiction: Cross-Genre
- Best Cover Design: Nonfiction
- Photography
Earlier this year, the book also earned a **Silver ADDY** at the 2025 **Caribbean Advertising Federation Awards**, where the _King of Soca 50 Celebration Slipcase + Pack_ was honored in the **Packaging – Single Unit** category. This special collector’s edition commemorated Machel’s golden milestone — his **50th birthday** in November 2024 — and formed part of the celebratory promotional campaign from Xtatik Limited.
**Accolades from the 2024 American Legacy Book Awards**
Marking another key moment, _King of Soca_ also secured a major win in the **Best Interior Design: Nonfiction** category at the **2024 American Legacy Book Awards**. The book was also a **finalist** in:
- Best Cover Design: Nonfiction
- Biography
- Performing Arts: Film, Theater, Dance, Music
- Nonfiction: Cross-Genre
Hosted by **American Book Fest**, this competitive award program sees thousands of entries globally, with winners and finalists selected from a base of over **500 titles** across 100+ categories.
**Previous Major Wins (2023)**
- **Best of Print** & **Overall Best in Show** – 2023 ADDY Awards
- **Gold ADDY** – Book Design
- **Silver ADDY** – Publication Cover Design
- **International Book Awards 2023** – Winner: Best Interior Design (Nonfiction)
Additional 2023 finalist placements included:
- Best Cover Design: Nonfiction
- Biography
- Performing Arts (Film, Theater, Dance, Music)
- Nonfiction: Cross-Genre
These wins are not just ours—they belong to everyone who contributed to telling this iconic Caribbean story.
**The Journey Continues…**
The _King of Soca_ promotion and celebrations are ongoing, with book launches and readings planned throughout the region and in locations with strong Caribbean Diaspora communities. Upcoming tour stops include **Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada**, **Toronto and Turks and Caicos** with additional destinations in development.
This project has been a true team effort. We extend heartfelt thanks to **Praktis Design** for transforming our vision into vibrant, award-winning visuals, and to our print partner, **The Office Authority**, for faithfully reproducing every design detail to perfection.
Our first regional stop is: **Antigua and Barbuda**. EESM Publishing, in collaboration with **The University of the West Indies, Five Islands Campus** and **Royalton Chic Antigua**, will host the _King of Soca_ Book Launch for this island!
This will be happening Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at the Royalton Chic Antigua.
This event is open to all interested parties as we celebrate the life and legacy of the legendary **Machel Montano**, through the pages of _King of Soca_, written by his mother and former manager, **Elizabeth “Lady” Montano**.
Some of the event highlights include: book signing with the author, books will also be available for purchase on-site and this is definitely going to be a space for fans, readers, and curious minds to connect and be inspired.
Whether you’re a die-hard Machel Montano fan, an avid reader, or someone looking for a story of perseverance, creativity, and Caribbean excellence — this event is for you.
_Our Caribbean stories must be told._
If you wish to read it beforehand, you can get your copy online now at [**www.machelmontano.com**](http://www.machelmontano.com/) and come prepared with your notes and reflections!
Let’s read, celebrate, and share in this extraordinary success story.