The Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin (Ian Alvarez) and Skinny Fabulous (Gamal Doyle) collaboration is set to cop another Road March title with the fete anthem, Famalay.
This would give Montano ten wins – level with Austin SuperBlue Lyons. Aldwyn Lord Kitchener Roberts holds the record with 11 Road March wins.
Although some on social media have called the race too close to call, many have thrown support behind Famalay since the release of the official video on February 27.
The tune also received heavy rotation at Kiddies Carnival, usually a good indicator of how the race will go.
The Montano, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous runaway hit picked up pace early on at the Queen’s Park Savannah even though the Kees Dieffenthaller favourite Savannah Grass had many hopeful of an upset.
A heavy police presence was seen in the capital and the security drone circled the Savannah proceedings.
Before noon, traditional mas entertained the scant audience of local and foreign visitors. Judges and National Carnival commission representatives clearly outnumbered spectators at the Grand Stand.
Gorillas liked Mr Killa’s Run Wid It as the theme for their antics while Fancy Sailors chipped to Dieffenthaller’s Savannah Grass.
Shortly after 1 p.m. Savannah Grass fans lit up with glee as the first band, K2K Alliance and Partners’ presentation Through Stained Glass Windows, chipped across the stage to the tune. Taj, a presentation of The Lost Tribe, followed and their masqueraders’ chorus overpowered the music truck.
Savannah Grass was also the tune of choice as Paparazzi’s La Belle Epoque – A Beautiful Era passed the judging point. Band Image Nation chose to party to Famalay.
Then the behemoth known as Tribe took over.
For over 20 minutes a wave of revellers surged across the stage. Due to the size of the large band, Famalay received multiple plays as members could be seen mouthing the one-word chorus.
Small bands continued to favour Savannah Grass then the large bands would take the stage, gyrating to Famalay.
Tomorrow the race will continue in earnest with Famalay maintaining a slim lead over Savannah Grass.
It remains to be seen if Dieffenthaller can catch up to and hold a lead on the competing trio. Who say Road March? (Trinidad Express)
