Machel Montano Clarifies Comments After Brief Spat with Nicki Minaj

Soca star Machel Montano has addressed recent controversy surrounding remarks he made at the Stink + Dutty fete on February 22, which led to a brief social media exchange with rapper Nicki Minaj.

Montano has now clarified that what seemed to be a public dispute was merely a misunderstanding. In an interview with OvertimeTT, following another event, Montano expressed his apologies to the Trinidad-born rapper, with whom he has previously collaborated.

During his performance at the annual fete, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in San Fernando, Montano sang the line “Don’t fight me down” from the hit Good Spirits, adding, “Nicki Minaj, stop fight me down. Trinidad Killa, stop fight me down. I’s your daddy. I is your daddy.”

Montano explained that his emotional delivery, fueled by the crowd’s enthusiastic response, may have led some fans to misinterpret his words as a direct dig at Minaj and Trinidad Killa.

Nicki Minaj quickly responded on social media with an expletive-laden video questioning why Montano had singled her out, warning that she would retaliate.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj)

Setting the record straight, Montano stated that his comments were actually directed at Trinidad Killa and that he had hoped Minaj would intervene to resolve the situation. He emphasized that he never meant any disrespect toward Minaj.

“The response from the audience was so overwhelming that I felt the joy of the Full Blown (Entertainment) crew, who have been supporting me for years,” Montano explained. “It didn’t come out the way it was supposed to.”

Reiterating his admiration for Minaj, he added, “I love Nicki, and I respect her as an artist.” Acknowledging that the misunderstanding was his responsibility, he affirmed that his intention was never to cause division.

Montano also hinted at the possibility of future collaborations, emphasizing the need for unity among himself, Minaj, and Trinidad Killa.

“We have to bridge gaps with our music,” he said.

Montano, Destra Garcia, and Minaj previously teamed up for the 2023 track Shake the Place.