If there is one man who never slows down, it is Machel Montano, aka Monk Monte. The Soca King continues to prove why he stands at the very top of Carnival music.
2026 has been especially memorable for him. His new album, Encore, is out now and already making waves. Packed with hit songs such as Move Out D Way, Pull D Pin, Compromise, and Encore, which have over 2 million views on YouTube, the album shows his energy, growth and love for carnival. As always, he shares the credit with artists, producers and writers who helped bring the project to life, reminding fans that great music is always a team effort. Machel also shares the news of Medic’s death, his long-time friend and confidant.
But that is not all! Machel Montano’s documentary, Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King, is now in cinemas in Trinidad and Guyana. Over ten years in the making, the film takes viewers backstage to Carnival 2015, when he won Road March and Power Soca Monarch with Like Ah Boss. It also shares the highs and lows of his 40-plus-year career. The story shows the hard work behind the spotlight and the passion that keeps him going. As Machel says, “Front page is where legends belong, but backstage is where legends are born”
Then came another historic moment. At Trinidad Carnival 2026, the Soca King’s song Encore captured the Road March title. With this win, he secured a record-breaking 12th Road March crown, breaking Lord Kitchener’s 50-year benchmark and standing at the summit of soca history. In true Machel style, he responded with humility, expressing gratitude to Voice, Bunji Garlin and all other contenders who made this race one of the greatest.
From performances at Tribe Last Jam 2026 on 21 February to upcoming performances at Karnival Kingdom in Ghana (23-28 April) and a two-date show in New York City, Central Park, on 8 and 9 August, Machel Montano continues to raise the bar. Through every win and every challenge, he remains focused on excellence and giving the performance of a lifetime!
Encore is not just an album. It is a statement that the Soca King is far from finished.
