President of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation, Ainsley King, says there is nothing wrong with Road March contenders moving from truck to truck to perform their songs.
The clarification came on Wednesday after Soca artiste Machel Montano made Road March history by capturing his 12th title and surpassing the legendary Aldwyn Roberts, the Lord Kitchener, who previously held the record with 11 Road March wins.
Responding to questions from journalists at a Press Conference on Wednesday, where concerns were raised about the possibility of performers disrupting or unfairly influencing the Road March process by going from band to band, Mr. King said that as of January 2026, there are no rules that prohibit artistes from performing their songs on multiple trucks on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
He clarified that the rules were changed and artistes are free to perform as they please.
“So it wasn’t permitted then. But now a man could go and sing any amount of time, you know?”
Mr. King revealed that Montano’s song “Encore” dominated the road, being played 171 times.
Second place went to Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis with “Cyah Behave”, which was played 127 times, while Ian ‘Bunji Garlin’ Alvarez secured third with “Road Man”, which was played 97 times.
The TUCO President said Double M’s historic win is proof that dedication and relentless hard work will always pay off.
“My take on it is that what was demonstrated is hard work to pay off. That is how, from where I sit, that is what I observe, right? And artistes, this is something that artistes should pay attention to because I always believe in competition, that man who put in a lot of work is the one that will edge that competition at the end of the day.”
He extended congratulations to Mr. Montano, whom he referred to as a ‘greater legend.’
Lord Kitchener held the Road March title since 1976.