Veteran calypso and soca star Machel Montano on Wednesday cemented his legacy in Caribbean music history, becoming the all-time Road March record holder in Trinidad and Tobago after winning the 2026 title at the close of Carnival celebrations.
Montano secured his 12th Road March victory with his hit Encore, moving ahead of late calypso legend Lord Kitchener (Alwyn Roberts), with whom he had been tied following his win in 2025. The Road March title is awarded to the song played most frequently across judging points during Carnival’s parade of the bands.
In a statement on social media, Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin praised the achievement, describing it as a historic milestone that reflects Montano’s consistency, talent and enduring influence on Carnival culture. She noted that his music continues to unite the nation and raise the bar each year.
Montano’s Encore dominated the two-day judging period, being played 171 times. He finished ahead of Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis, whose song Cyah Behave was played 127 times, and Bunji Garlin, whose Still a Road Man recorded 97 plays.
In other Carnival results, Lost Tribe, part of the Tribe Carnival Group, captured both the Large Band of the Year and overall Band of the Year titles with its presentation Island Circus. The band had recently faced criticism from Jason Gordon over the distribution of sex toys in goodie bags to female masqueraders.
Second place in the band competition went to Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra with Sailors Ashore in Japan, while Paparazzi Carnival secured third place with Elope: Destination I Do.
