Prime Time

From the first band at 7.40 am to 12 noon the catchy power tune was played by almost every band, including some mini and small bands. The song was first played by medium band Just Wee and Friends and masqueraders were jumping, dancing and “wukking” with great enthusiasm.

Machel Montano’s Beat It was heard three bands later with large band Harts and a few of their female masqueraders were literally beating the stage with their hands. One masquerader in a wheelchair, however, held up a sign that read “jammin’ still”, one of Full Extreme’s catchphrases.

After Harts was fellow large band Fantasy which had Montano performing on the truck. Beat it was player a few times but Full Extreme was still the dominant tune. After Fantasy small band Belmont Exotic Stylish fancy sailors were also jamming to Full Extreme.

Montano would be heard again four bands later with large band Passion and both Beat it and his second Road March contender Your Time Now were played; his song Buss Head, a collaboration with Bunji Garlin, is his third and final entry.

The Passion masqueraders, however, spent more time dancing in the rain to Full Extreme than Beat It.

At about 1pm Full Extreme had been played 16 times, four times Montano’s Beat it. A total of 18 songs were registered for Road March this year but Full Extreme appears to have a clear lead with only Beat It in any real contention.

Montano is the reigning Road March king and has copped the prestigious title eight times: last year with Waiting on the Stage; in 2015 with Like ah Boss; in 2014 with Ministry of Road; in 2011 and 2012 with Pump Yuh Flag and Advantage respectively, 2007 with Jumbie, shared the title in 2006 with Patrice Roberts for Band of the Year, and finally Big Truck in 1997.

He also already beaten Sparrow’s record for seven wins but is still behind Lord Kitchener’s as yet unbeaten 10 Road March crowns. If Full Extreme takes the Road March crown it will be the first win for Thomas (previously known as Maga Dan and Maximus Dan) who is best known for his football anthem Soca Warrior.