The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) continues to congratulate Machel Montano on his historic achievement of winning his twelfth Road March title at Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2026, with his offering Encore.

In 2018, for his contribution to culture and soca music, Montano was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts from UTT. Of this award, he stated that he was absolutely grateful; humbled but proud, for being selected. He added that he felt validated that despite deciding to pause his personal academic journey at A' Level to pursue music - much to his parents' concern - he was now being recognised as a standard bearer, for his musical ability.

Undoubtedly convinced by the talent on display at UTT's 2018 graduation ceremony, and the programmes offered in what can be described as his life's passion, Machel enrolled as a student at the national University. Six years later, he graduated from UTT's Master of Arts in Carnival Studies under the supervision of Professor Hollis Liverpool, O.R.T.T., widely renowned as calypsonian The Mighty Chalkdust.

Machel has long sang the praises of those who came before him, paying homage to the role they played in creating a local musical identity. To this end, he has collaborated with stalwarts from the golden era of soca and calypso, including The Mighty Sparrow, Calypso Rose, David Rudder and Super Blue. He continues to work with his contemporaries while working to showcase the youth, confirming his position as a premier cultural custodian.

Throughout his career which spans over four decades, Machel has garnered a number of accolades which have helped cement him, as the undisputed King of Soca. With seven Soca Monarch titles (five Power, two Groovy), one Calypso Monarch and one Chutney Soca Monarch, his contribution to soca has undoubtedly put not only the genre, but this twin-island republic, on the global stage.

With this Road March title, Machel surpasses Lord Kitchener for the most wins, a title which has stood since 1976. His journey throughout the soca fraternity has yielded continuous reinvention and remarkable growth, propelling him to where the air is rare, a position which he envisioned for himself when he began his career back in 1982.

Commenting on the win, Montano stated, "I give thanks to The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) for the opportunity to dig deep into the studies of Calypso, Steelband, Mas, and Social Sciences. I hope my choice to pursue my education journey further inspires other artists to follow suit.

This year's Carnival season (2026) was intense, fierce and successful - endless hours were spent perfecting and executing my craft with the goal of chasing and achieving greatness.

This 12^th win makes me proud and makes me reflect on the fact that I could not have attained this feat without the experiences alongside legends like the Lord Kitchener, Mighty Sparrow, Calypso Rose, David Rudder, Super Blue, my UTT Professor the Mighty Chalkdust and many others with whom I interacted as a child since the 1980s.

Thanks to my magnificent team, family, fans and dear Nation who all contributed to this history making moment.

To the youths, please strive toward greatness and remember you are only as good as your last performance, meaning you can always become better!

Peace and love."

For years Machel's music has been the soundtrack to which the Caribbean parties, by which new fans become enamoured, by which Caribbean cultures are sustained. His cultural relevance cannot be downplayed, and his legacy is already intact. Showcasing his pursuit of greatness, Machel's title-winning "Encore" asks the listener to give one more, but we are certain that for his fans and the culture, King Machel unquestionably, has quite a few left to give.

Machel Montano delivers an impromptu performance after receiving his Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts at UTT's 2018 Presentation of Graduates.