Soca icon Machel Montano has once again etched his name into Carnival history, winning the 2026 National Road March title with his hit song “Encore,” securing a record-extending twelfth victory.

Official results from the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) confirmed that “Encore” was played 171 times at designated judging points along the Carnival routes, sealing the win and cementing Montano’s status as the most successful Road March champion in Trinidad and Tobago’s history.

The victory widens his lead over the late calypso legend Lord Kitchener, who previously held the record with 11 Road March titles.

Close contest on the road

The 2026 Road March race was one of the most competitive in recent years, with several songs dominating the streets during the two-day Carnival celebration.

• Second place: Voice – “Cyah Behave” (127 plays)
  
  

• Third place: Bunji Garlin – “Still A Road Man” (97 plays)
  
  

Other songs that featured in the final count included collaborations and releases from artists such as Mical Teja and Patrice Roberts, highlighting the depth of competition this Carnival season.

A legacy of dominance

Montano’s twelfth Road March title reinforces a career defined by consistency, innovation, and crowd-moving anthems. The Road March award, traditionally given to the song most played as masqueraders cross judging points on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, is considered one of the most prestigious honours in Trinidad and Tobago’s music culture.

By surpassing Lord Kitchener’s long-standing record, Montano further solidifies his reputation as the modern standard-bearer for soca on the road and on the global stage.