Soca star Machel Montano landed a joint record 11th Road March title in Carnival 2025, as his song, Pardy, edged Ian ‘Bunji Garlin’ Alvarez to the prestigious title. The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) announced this afternoon that Pardy was the song of choice on the road with 267 plays …
Read More »TUCO sacks judge over Pardy comments; plus an all-time Road March tale
The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) has sacked tabulator, Samantha Richards, for “unauthorised” comments on the then ongoing 2025 Road March race. TUCO revealed its decision early on Ash Wednesday morning, a day after Richards updated CNC3 on the competition to select the dominant soca song for carnival masqueraders in …
Read More »Political commentary rules as Helon dethrones Machel; Live Wire marks Calypso finals
Calypso is back, baby! Well, by which we mean that gripping political commentary is back in favour at the Dimanche Gras. Independent Senator Helon Francis is the 2025 Calypso Monarch for his stirring appeal to the next Trinidad and Tobago prime minister in To Whom It May Be—although it could …
Read More »“Energy cannot be destroyed, only transferred!” One-on-one with soca legend, Machel Montano
“[…] If you’re trying to build something, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you’re looking for fame, a quick joyride, or a genuine connection that grants you the ability to positively impact people. “Once you decide what you’re building, then you’ll know what kind of foundation you’ll …
Read More »From Sparrow to Cro Cro to Machel: Best chronicles calypso controversies through the years
Emceeing the Revue Calypso Tent’s show in 1972, night after night, the Mighty Stalin introduced Kelvin Pope in the same way: “So, ladies and gentlemen, here without further ado is that four-king four-cup four car Duke.” Famously, of course, over the four years immediately preceding ’72, the Mighty Duke had …
Read More »Early Bird: Machel’s Monarchy triumph; mafia or merit? Mission for the media?
“What shit you talking, bro?” Bobby asked, his jaw literally dropping. “We talking bout the same song?” Even before Calypso Fiesta, I had shared Soul of Calypso with my pardna on WhatsApp. We both agreed then that it was not the “hit calypso” Machel would have us believe it is. …
Read More »Dem judges mudda can’t (be) serious? Live Wire reviews 2024 Calypso Monarch show
And the 2024 Calypso Monarch crown goes to: Argentina’s Lionel Messi! Who mother can’t believe that one, eh? Well, actually the TUCO judges had to confine their choice by geography—and, in particular, the 12 calypsonians who crossed the Queen’s Park Savannah stage with mic in hand last night. So, instead, …
Read More »TUCO president on Road March rules, Fay-Ann’s fourth title and Machel/Patrice
Does soca empress Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez now have four Road March titles, on the back of her credit for current hit tune Hard Fete? On Wednesday, TUCO (Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation) announced that Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez and Fay-Ann were co-winners of the 2023 Visit Trinidad Road March title, which might …
Read More »Hard Fete rules the road! TUCO tallies for Bunji and Fay-Ann
Soca power couple Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez and Fay-Ann Lyons are the first Road March champions of the post-Covid-19 pandemic era, as the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) announced the husband and wife pair as the Visit Trinidad Road March champions. Their popular song, Hard Fete, was played 135 times …
Read More »Dear Editor: Machel’s One Show was dangerous to patrons and the HC Stadium surface
“[…] Some keen observations coming out of the show—apart from the long lines and late gates—was the failure to fully protect the football pitch, as areas of green could be seen toward the back end of the fete. “[…] What could be the repercussions of this heavy foot traffic, alcohol spilling and high …
Read More »Orin: Machel Montano’s misstep; and why Soca Monarch deserves better
“[…] The main argument in defence of what’s in effect a Machel Monday redux on Carnival Friday was that ISM was dying anyway, so what’s the problem letting Monk have his way and have the day? “It’s a strikingly bad argument. If your beloved relative is dying, you don’t finish …
Read More »Write Start (11-15): Kristen Smith battles her nerves, as she prepares to face Machel Montano
“[…] ‘I would now like to invite Machel Montano to the stage…’ “The din increased, ensuring I would be incapable of hearing properly for the rest of the night. Almost splitting my face in half, a beaming grin enveloped my visage as my hero stepped into view… Machel Montano…” Eleven-year-old …
Read More »