Chairman of the Bahamas National Festival Commission (BNFC) Paul Major said Trinidadian Soca star Machel Montano will not be paid $100,000 to perform at the upcoming Junkanoo Carnival.

Responding to incorrect reports, Major said in a statement yesterday that guest artists for the Music Masters concert, which includes Montano and Baha Men, will be paid comparable rates and neither is being paid $100,000.

According to Major, “The Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union sets base rates for the Bahamian market. The base rate for musicians is approximately $300 an hour per performer or band member.”

Since reports arose of Montano being selected as a performer, Bahamians had many questions concerning his selection.
However, Major explained that Montano, who recently performed in The Bahamas over the summer to a sold out concert, will appeal to carnival enthusiasts, and create additional exposure for the Top 10 artists in the region and beyond.

“While there has been much interest in the guest performers at Music Masters, the commission is clear that the primary objective of the event is to promote the Top 10 finalists in the Junkanoo Carnival Song Competition and to give these Bahamian artists, many of whom are undiscovered, local and international exposure,” he said.

Major added that the highly anticipated return of Baha Men will draw many fans and increase the exposure for the Top 10 finalists competing on May 8.

He further explained that over the past year, the BNFC has invested more than half a million dollars directly in Bahamian musicians, which covered the expenses of performance fees at promotional events and activities to support the Junkanoo Carnival Song Competition and the Music Masters Concert.

“Over the next few weeks and beyond the season of carnival, the BNFC will continue to invest in local artists and the music community,” Major said.