Who Wins Road March in Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago is renowned for its vibrant and energetic carnival celebrations. One of the most hotly contested titles during this festive season is the Road March. This prestigious accolade is awarded to the artist or group whose song is played the most frequently and enthusiastically during the various carnival parades and events. With an array of talented musicians and catchy tunes, the battle for Road March supremacy is always highly anticipated. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Road March, explore previous winners, and highlight some frequently asked questions surrounding this captivating competition.
The Road March tradition dates back to the early 20th century when the steelpan, a musical instrument invented in Trinidad and Tobago, became a prominent feature of carnival music. The Road March became an official competition in 1932, with the aim of recognizing the most popular song played during the carnival street parades. Since then, it has become an integral part of Trinidadian culture, with countless artists vying for the coveted title each year.
Over the years, a multitude of artists have emerged victorious in the Road March competition. Some of the most memorable winners include the legendary Mighty Sparrow, who holds the record for the most Road March titles, having won an astounding eight times. Other notable winners include Lord Kitchener, Superblue, Machel Montano, and Bunji Garlin, all of whom have contributed immensely to the vibrant music scene of Trinidad and Tobago.
In recent years, the Road March competition has witnessed fierce battles between various artists and their infectious tunes. The 2020 Road March saw a historic tie between “Famalay” by Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous, and Bunji Garlin, and “Savannah Grass” by Kes the Band. This tie was the first in 40 years, further adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the competition.
Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions about the Road March in Trinidad and Tobago:
1. How is the winner of the Road March determined?
The winner of the Road March is determined by the number of times their song is played during official carnival events and parades.
2. Are there any restrictions on who can compete in the Road March?
No, any artist or group can enter the Road March competition as long as they have a qualifying song that meets the criteria set by the organizers.
3. Can a non-Trinidadian artist win the Road March?
Yes, non-Trinidadian artists are eligible to compete in the Road March and have won the title in the past.
4. Is there a cash prize for winning the Road March?
No, winning the Road March does not come with a cash prize. However, it brings immense prestige and recognition within the music industry.
5. How are tiebreakers handled in the Road March competition?
In the event of a tie, the organizers may consider factors such as crowd response and overall impact to determine the winner.
6. Has any song won the Road March multiple times?
Yes, several songs have won the Road March multiple times, with the record being held by Mighty Sparrow, who has won it eight times.
7. Is the Road March only judged based on the number of times a song is played on the road?
While the number of plays is a significant factor, other aspects such as crowd reaction, social media buzz, and overall impact also contribute to the final decision.
The Road March in Trinidad and Tobago continues to captivate music lovers and showcases the immense talent within the country. Each year, artists compete fiercely to create the catchiest tunes that resonate with the carnival-goers, making the Road March a vibrant and integral part of the nation’s cultural heritage. With its rich history and fierce competition, the Road March remains one of the most highly anticipated events during the carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago.