Machel Montano drops new album ‘Encore’ at height of Carnival season
Trinidad and Tobago soca superstar Machel Montano has released his highly anticipated new studio album Encore, arriving at the height of the country’s Carnival celebrations.
The album, released Friday, February 6, 2026, via Montano’s Monk Music label, comes as the global soca icon continues his Encore Tour, with at least eight major performances scheduled ahead of Carnival Monday on February 16.
Encore features the title track “Encore,” created by the same team behind Montano’s 2025 hit “PARDY,” along with standout songs including “Pull D Pin” and “Move Out D Way.” The project brings together an intergenerational mix of collaborators representing both the legacy and future of soca, including Skinny Fabulous, Voice, Nailah Blackman, Super Blue, Paris Coutain, litleboy, Tempa, Lil Natty & Thunda and Mela Caribe.
With its high-energy production and anthem-driven sound, Encore has quickly entered the Road March conversation. Both “Encore” and “Move Out D Way” have emerged as early fan favourites and strong contenders for the coveted title. A Road March win would give Montano his 12th victory, allowing him to surpass the late Lord Kitchener and become the most decorated Road March artist in history. The two are currently tied with 11 wins each.
Montano is also set to defend his Chutney Soca Monarch crown during Carnival week with “Dancing in the Streets,” returning to the competition as the reigning champion.
The album release coincides with a packed Carnival performance schedule, including appearances at Stink & Dutty, Chutney Soca Monarch, Monday Madness, ValeVibe, Lime, Tribe Ignite, Freebird Fete and the EPIC Welcome Party.
To mark the release of Encore, Montano is hosting an exclusive album listening party today at a new private venue in Trinidad, giving select guests an intimate first listen ahead of Carnival’s busiest days.
Adding to an already milestone-filled week, Montano will also premiere his upcoming documentary, Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King. The film offers an intimate look at his life, legacy and four-decade career, debuting with a red-carpet premiere on February 10, followed by a theatrical release on February 12 in cinemas across Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.
As Carnival 2026 unfolds, Encore stands as both a musical release and a statement from an artist who continues to shape, challenge and elevate Caribbean culture on the global stage.
