I have been a little tough on Machel Montano and his music releases for 2026. That said, I cannot apply the same criticism to this song. This one has the potential to make a run at the Road March Crown. I like the message and the vibe, and Machel always brings energy, regardless of whether you like the song or not. This one is rocking and with that, he turns up the temperature once again with “Encore,” a high-voltage release that pushes straight into Carnival 2026 with pure performance adrenaline. The official music video sets the tone from the opening scene—a quiet check-in before the storm—before exploding into movement, color, and that signature Machel stage intensity... energy and vibes.
Driven by a pulsing refrain of “Heat,” the track builds like a live show in real time, capturing the nervous energy, anticipation, and eruption of a crowd waiting for greatness. The visuals match the vibe: dynamic choreography, bold lighting, and Mas artistry shaped by legendary designer Peter Minshall and The Callaloo Company, all adding theatrical weight to the production.
Behind the music, the team is stacked. XplicitMevon & Badjohn Republic handle production, with writing by Andre Jeffers (Perception Management) and Machel himself. Guitars from Kyle Peters and Kenny Phillips, plus background vocals from Karyce Phillips and Kendel Haynes, round out the sonic palette. The video—produced by Twin Island Company and directed by Josiah Persad—brings together stylists, choreographers, musicians, dancers, and Mas performers for a full cinematic experience.
The story comes full circle with a closing phone call confirming everything is “safe and sound,” a clever echo of the opening that frames the entire performance as a controlled blaze. The storytelling was excellent and the music, along with Machel's energy, made this song work for me. We will watch this one with a positive vibe and positive energy, in the same manner Machel delivered the song.
No one can deny the activation of Carnival energy in the end. Machel delivers once more—and the people will be calling for an encore.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Encore
Artist/Performed by: Machel Montano
Produced by: XplicitMevon & Badjohn Republic
Written by: Andre Jeffers (Perception Management) & Machel Montano
Composers: Mevon Soodeen, Kyle Phillips, Andre Jeffers & Machel Montano
Guitars by: Kyle Peters & Kenny Phillips
Background Vocals by: Karyce Phillips & Kendel Haynes
Mixed & Mastered by: Precision Productions
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Soca 🎶
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