Lost Tribe, K2K, Tribal Connection and Moko Somokow–Band-of-the-year winners

The Lost Tribe, K2K Alliance and Partners, Tribal Connection Cultural Promotions and Moko Somokow all stand in the 2025 winners row as Bands of the Year.

The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Bands Association (TTCBA) announced the winners on March 5 at the VIP Lounge, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain.

The Lost Tribe won large band of the year with its Lost in Time presentation and also the overall band of the year.

K2K Alliance and Partners won the medium category with Holy Trespasses–Life’s bitter sweet and savoury moments.

Tribal Connection Cultural Promotions won the small band category with its portrayal A tribute to Indian Mas and Moko Somokow won the mini category with its portrayal, Cane, the 1805 Christmas rebellion.

The winners of the junior bands of the year were Crochet Explosion, in the non-school mini category with Circle of Love; House of Jacqui in the non-school small with Spectrum of Life; Coco-Lily Production in the non-school medium with Trini Bush Medicine; and Zebapique Productions in the large non-school with Yuh Ever See.

TTCBA’s vice president Rosalind Gabriel said the 2025 Parade of the Bands was the smoothest in years.

Gabriel said, “I am happy to say we are very, very satisfied and overjoyed with everything that happened so far. The presentation of all the shows, the Kings and Queens, Parade of the Bands, especially the senior Parade of the Bands, ran flawlessly.”

Gabriel said there were no major blockages along this year’s route.

She added that the organisation was particularly proud as it was able to hand over the Savannah to Pan Trinbago at the appointed time of 3 pm on March 1, so Pan Trinbago’s large-band finals was able to start and end on time.

The TTCBA saw an increase in junior bands from 64 bands in 2024 to 96 in 2025, Gabriel said.

There were also 16 new senior bands registering this year. Gabriel said she shared with National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Winston “Gypsy” Peters that she believes 2025 was the mother of all Carnivals.

“Because everything increased, ran well. We had more Kings and Queens than we ever did. We had more Kings and Queens, not only seniors but juniors. The costumes were of top quality,” she added.

Gabriel said Carnival 2025 also saw more spectators than it had in years. The stands (Grand and North) at the Savannah were always filled, she said. She said there were more spectators along the parade route. When challenged on the stands not being completely filled, Gabriel said the wings were usually not filled but the centre was filled.

K2K thanks masqueraders

Bandleaders Kathy and Karen Norman said they were relieved and excited by the win and truly blessed.

“The reality is we have to thank our masqueraders for their continued support because the reality is without them, there is no us.”

The twins said it was stressful getting the band on the road.

They said it was really stressful getting the band to the Savannah early and ensuring it looked in full form. K2K was one of the first bands to cross the Savannah stage.

The band won its seventh medium band of the year title.

K2K also described its time along the parade route, particularly on Carnival Tuesday, as smooth. The band also thanked its team.

Lost Tribe: A win for everyone over the years

Lost Tribe’s creative director Valmiki Maharaj said in a phone interview on Wednesday that the band does not go into Parade of the Bands as a competition but an offering to the Carnival and people.

“Our win is always when we see them and hear their feedback on the stage.”

Maharaj said being able to be recognised by a team of peers always felt like the band was on the right path and doing good.

This win was one for all of the people who have been a part of the band for the past ten years, he added.

He added, “Ten years as a journey and a journey that included a pandemic has also been ten years of learning, trails and tribulations. I see this win as an encouragement pushing us into the next ten years.”