The Road March race in Trinidad and Tobago is heating up as soca superstar Bunji Garlin has officially registered to compete for the 2026 title.
Garlin, whose real name is Ian Alvarez, shared a receipt on social media showing he paid the TT$500 (US$73) registration fee to enter the competition hosted by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation.
In the post, Garlin tagged his wife, Fay-Ann Lyons, a three-time Road March winner.
Among the songs already in contention for this year’s title are “Cyah Behave” by Voice and “Encore” by Machel Montano.
Fans have been urging Garlin to enter his collaboration “Still A Road Man” with XplicitMevon into the competition.
However, the artiste had ignored those calls.
Garlin’s return to the competition comes after he previously expressed dissatisfaction with judging in 2025.
His song “Carry It” was widely considered a strong contender but lost to Montano’s “PARDY,” which was ultimately judged as the most played song at official judging points in Port of Spain.
Following the results, Garlin said he would not participate in the competition again.
Throughout the 2026 Carnival season, fans have continued to call for his return. During a performance at the CIC fete last month, Garlin told patrons he did not intend to enter the race, saying it was “disrespectful” to other artistes who released music for Carnival as many people were trying to pit him against Montano.
“I don’t live in that village anymore, I live elsewhere,” Garlin said, noting he has also distanced himself from competitive aspects of Carnival such as Soca Monarch.
The Road March winner is scheduled to be announced on Ash Wednesday.
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