T&T – Carnival, Guyanese Patrick Joseph Gets Credit for Writing Road March Hit ‘Encore’ For Montano

2026-02-23 - 19:25

Guyanese soca artiste and songwriter Patrick Joseph, popularly known as “Pahjo,” is receiving recognition as one of the creative forces behind this year’s Carnival Road March hit “Encore.” The song, performed by soca superstar Machel Montano, earned widespread acclaim throughout the Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago, widely regarded as the birthplace of soca music. The achievement adds another milestone to Joseph’s growing reputation within the regional and international soca industry. Although Encore has brought renewed attention to his work, Joseph is no newcomer to the genre. The UK-based Guyanese musician has spent more than five years contributing behind the scenes as a writer and creative collaborator for several leading Caribbean artistes. A two-time Soca Artiste of the Year (2025), he says he is now ready to step fully into the spotlight as a performer in his own right. “I would like to be known as that humble guy who followed his dream and passion for music and made it,” Joseph said in an interview with The Waterfalls. Early Passion for Soca Joseph’s love for soca began in childhood. By age eight, his deep fascination with the genre earned him the nickname “Soca Junkie” among family members. His professional breakthrough came in 2019 when producer and close friend Joel “Joey2Kool” Browne invited him to help create and write for the Tool Box Riddim project. Initially hesitant to record his own music, Joseph said the passing of a close friend — along with the advice to “do the things you love” — inspired him to officially launch his career as an artiste in January 2020. Rising International Recognition Since then, Pahjo’s career has accelerated rapidly. He became the first Guyanese artiste booked for the prestigious Ubersoca Cruise in November 2025, marking a historic achievement for Guyanese representation in soca. He has also collaborated with industry heavyweight King Bubba FM, contributing to the anthem “Pull Di Pin,”recorded by Montano, Skin, and Wuss Ways. Among his accolades are Guyanese Male Soca Artiste of the Year titles in 2023 and 2026. Joseph further expanded his international reach through collaborations such as Identity with Problem Child, performed on both the Ubersoca Cruise stage and the Miami Carnival Main Stage during the 2024 season. He is additionally credited as the first Guyanese artiste booked for the Bournemouth Reggae Festival in the United Kingdom. A Growing Legacy With his energetic style, songwriting versatility, and commitment to the genre, Joseph continues to elevate Guyana’s presence within the global soca movement. His journey from behind-the-scenes writer to internationally recognized performer highlights how persistence, authenticity, and passion can open doors and reshape Caribbean music narratives.