Trinidad Carnival 2026 Road March Winner: Machel Montano’s “Encore” Makes History

Carnival history has been made in Trinidad & Tobago 🇹🇹🎉

Trinidad Carnival 2026 Road March

The Trinidad Carnival 2026 Road March winner is… “Encore” by Machel Montano! With this victory, Machel Montano clinches his 12th Road March title, becoming the all-time Road March leader, breaking his tie of 11 titles with the legendary Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts — a monumental moment for soca culture everywhere.

This isn’t just a trophy — it’s proof of decades of dominance on Carnival roadways and in the hearts of soca lovers worldwide.

What Is Road March?

If you’re new to Carnival culture, Road March is one of the most coveted titles in Trinidad & Tobago’s Carnival. It’s awarded to the song played most often at official judging points along the parade route on Carnival Monday and Tuesday — the soundtrack that literally defines the year’s Carnival energy.

In other words: it’s the anthem everyone jumps to in the middle of the madness.

“Encore” — Road March 2026

“Encore” delivered everything the road wants: infectious energy, mega-chant hooks, and unstoppable momentum. From dawn till dusk, from Port of Spain to points across the route, this track dominated the judging points — and the vibes.

Tough Competition in 2026

Carnival 2026 wasn’t a walk in the park — artists like Voice (Aaron St. Louis) with “Cyah Behave” and Bunji Garlin with “Road Man” also brought SERIOUS heat, pushing crowds into pure road energy.

But when it came down to total plays on the road?

“Encore” took control.

Machel Montano’s Road March Legacy — The Full List (12 Titles!)

Machel’s Road March journey spans nearly three decades of Carnival dominance. From the late ‘90s to 2026, these songs weren’t just hits — they became Carnival moments.

Year	Winning Song
1997	Big Truck
2006	Band Of De Year (with Patrice Roberts)
2007	Jumbie
2011	Advantage
2012	Pump Yuh Flag
2014	Ministry of Road (MOR)
2015	Like Ah Boss
2016	Waiting on the Stage
2018	Soca Kingdom (with Superblue)
2019	Famalay (with Skinny Fabulous & Bunji Garlin)
2025	Pardy
2026	Encore
(All Road March titles counted in official Carnival results)

This impressive spread of wins shows not only consistency… but evolution — from early power soca to modern festival anthems.

Breaking the Tie with Lord Kitchener

Before “Encore”, Machel was tied with Lord Kitchener — the legendary calypso icon whose influence helped define Carnival for decades. Now, Machel stands alone at the top of the Road March record books, bridging generations of Caribbean music culture.

It’s a landmark moment in Carnival history.

Why This Win Matters

This isn’t just another title. It’s proof of:

• Longevity — success across decades

• Connection with Carnival crowds

• Unmatched road dominance

• Cultural impact across the Caribbean and the diaspora

Road March isn’t won by hype — it’s won by repetition during Carnival itself — the truest measure of a song’s power.

And once again, the people spoke with their feet, flags, and energy.

Carnival Vibes Never Die

Carnival 2026 was bigger than ever — driven by heart-pounding music, unforgettable moments, and an undeniable soundtrack. From J’ouvert sunrise to carnival Tuesday sunset, “Encore” kept bodies moving and spirits high.

And now that the celebration continues online — through shares, clips, reactions, and debates — the energy never really stops.

Who’s Next?

With Machel Montano now the undisputed Road March king, the question on everyone’s lips is…

Who’s coming for the crown in 2027?

Stay tuned. Carnival always delivers.