Pardy and Carry It seem to be the favourite 2025 Road March contenders for masqueraders on Carnival Monday in downtown Port-of-Spain.
The popular songs by Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin (Ian Alvarez) were played back to back as masqueraders in large bands Tribe, Paparazzi and The Lost Tribe danced, chipped, swayed and sang in the excitement of Carnival celebrations while crossing South Quay, yesterday.
The revelry began with The Lost Tribe first crossing the judging point at 10.10 am with their presentation Lost in Time to an almost empty stand and a high presence of police officers.
Basking in the blistering sun, masqueraders in their beaded, feathered and sequinned costumes went into a frenzy when the music truck began playing Montano’s Pardy.
“We deserve a pardy … and let’s get it started,” they sang in unison, as the truck raised the volume for the masqueraders to sing along and enjoy themselves.
Playing in section Fly, Janet Benoit said she loved every aspect of Monatno’s Pardy.
“It’s my absolute favourite song this Carnival season,” she gushed, raising her hands in the air while singing the song to the top of her voice.
“That’s the Road March, right there. It’s hard to beat,” Benoit said.
Cup in hand, David George said this year had a good lineup of kaisoes.
“But if I had to choose one solid song for Road March, Pardy is my choice. It’s totally electrifying and infectious. You can’t stop singing it.”
Even though Janelle Gonzales from the section Found was moving her body to Pardy’s lyrics she said preferred Carry It.
“The crown should go to Bunji this time around.”
Gonzales said she was hooked on Carry It, stating that the lyrics were full of energy and vibes.
Sharing similar sentiments was masquerader Gregory Bernard.
“It’s Bunji all the way for me. This is how we carry Carnival … with joy, passion and excitement. Nobody can take that from us.”
As Tribe inched their way before the judges with their colourful presentation Agra at around 11.10 am there were mixed views from masqueraders as to who should win this year’s Road March.
Denise Belgrove from the section Amina is a fan of Bunji, stating that he deserves the Road March title this time around.
“I carrying that song with me for this entire Carnival.”
Ava Melville said she too wants Bunji to win.
“Gosh, I hope everything goes in his favour this year. I realise that Bunji and Machel songs are going neck to neck. But Bunji is my pick.”
Derek Fortuner said he was torn between Bunji and Machel’s songs.
“It’s going to be a hard fight for Road March for both singers. Judging from what I am seeing today may the best man win. On Ash Wednesday a winner will be declared. Let’s see who will triumph.”
Camille Glasgow in section Sheba, however, said she was rooting for Pardy all the way.
“Hear nah, when Pardy starts to play that music does just grip meh.”
In the section Azhar, David Warner couldn’t agree more.
“Pardy does get me real weak.”
As Paparazzi’s presentation Rhythm and Arts crossed the judging point, Glenda Forbes showed her support for Pardy.
“It’s evident that the Road March is Machel’s.”
Forbes’ friend Danny Forte believed Bunji could beat Machel and carry the title home.
Nicki gives Bunji a boost
Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj (Onika Maraj-Petty) has added her voice to a remix of Bunji Garlin’s hit Carry It. The remix was posted to social media yesterday morning. Under the post on his Instagram page, Garlin said, “Sometimes a bigger picture paints itself.”
On the track, Minaj sang on the intro before coming in later to do a rap verse where she highlighted aspects of Trinidad and Tobago culture, including Carnival and several popular local foods.
While the remix featuring Minaj caught many off guard, there were mixed views. Some said it was not needed, however, many others praised the collaboration.
Only recently, the hip-hop star was embroiled in a controversy involving ten-time Road March winner Machel Montano, who accused Minaj and Trinidad Killa of fighting him down.
In response, the US-based rapper questioned what she had done and threatened to “cuss you very, very, very (expletive) stink.”
Hours later, however, Montano apologised for what he described as “a mistake, misunderstanding on his part.”