T&T – Carnival, Lost Tribe Selected Band of The Year

2026-02-21 - 13:34

The Lost Tribe has secured a major victory at Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival 2026 celebrations, capturing both the Large Band of the Year and Overall Band of the Year titles with its presentation Island Circus, marking another milestone for the popular mas band. The announcement was made at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain by Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Bands Association (TTCBA) president Mark Ayen, who confirmed that Lost Tribe earned 1,351 points to claim the top honour in the Large Band category. The results ceremony was attended by key Carnival stakeholders, including Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) president Ainsley King and chairman of TUCO’s Adjudication Management Committee, Everald Snaggs. Reacting to the win, Tribe Carnival chief executive Dean Ackin described the achievement as a fitting reward after months of preparation and creative execution. Tribe Carnival manages several prominent bands, Tribe, Bliss, Harts, and Lost Tribe, all of which participated in this year’s festivities. Ackin noted that the 2026 season represented a strong showing across the organisation’s portfolio, highlighting the different experiences each band delivers. While Lost Tribe focuses heavily on competitive stage presentations, he said the other bands emphasise energy and interaction along the parade route, creating diverse Carnival experiences for masqueraders. The victory marks the fourth time Lost Tribe has captured the Large Band of the Year title, reinforcing its reputation as one of the dominant forces in contemporary Carnival production. Ackin credited the success to extensive behind-the-scenes work by designers, organisers and support teams committed to delivering high-quality entertainment. He also welcomed the relocation of the Socadrome to the car park area of the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Carnival Tuesday, describing the move as successful. Based on positive feedback from both spectators and participants, organisers are now considering maintaining the venue at that location for future Carnivals. According to Ackin, innovation remains central to Tribe Carnival’s philosophy, adding that Trinidad and Tobago Carnival continues to set global standards followed by festivals worldwide. He emphasised that the organisation views its role as creating joy, cultural expression and lasting memories for participants. Following the announcement, Lost Tribe Carnival issued a statement on social media expressing gratitude to supporters, committee members and masqueraders. The band dedicated the victory to its leadership team and volunteers, describing them as the foundation of its continued success. The group also paid tribute to several members of its community who passed away, noting that their memory and spirit remained part of this year’s journey. The band said the emotional significance of the season added deeper meaning to the celebratory Island Circus portrayal. In the Large Band of the Year competition, Trinidad All Stars Orchestra placed second with its presentation Sailors Ashore in Japan, earning 1,173 points. Representatives from the band’s marketing team said the result reflected continued appreciation for traditional Carnival elements. Known primarily as a steel orchestra, the band incorporated live pan music, rhythm sections, DJs and brass accompaniment, preserving classic Carnival traditions while entertaining modern audiences. Despite finishing second after placing third the previous year, the team expressed optimism about reclaiming the top position in future competitions. Paparazzi Carnival secured third place in the category with its presentation Elope: Destination ‘I Do’. Additional results announced by TUCO included K2K Alliance & Partners winning Medium Band of the Year with Pollen Houses, marking the band’s ninth title. Tribal Connection Cultural Promotions claimed Small Band of the Year honours, while Moko Somokow captured the Mini Band of the Year title.