Following their impressive display on j’ouvert and Parade Day, the Grand Masters Band was announced as Road March Champions, at 11:00am on Tuesday, 3rd January, 2012, Last Lap, with 27 points. According to carnival officials, they defeated their closest competitor, Small Axe Band.
For many though, it was not a surprise because since Boxing Day, 26th December, which was celebrated as j’ouvert, the pundits were already placing the Grand Masters ahead of the other bands and calypsonians, given the criteria.
When contacted about the victory, band manager Wingrove Williams-Hicks said in an exclusive MiyVue.com interview, that “It is a great pleasure to once again win the Road March title.” He said to see that we won it 3 years in a row, until last year when we lost by 2 points, it is gratifying to know that we have won the title once again.
Mr. Hicks also stated that, winning the title this year was not any more difficult than in previous years but he outlined that the band was better prepared.
Wingrove also revealed that Grand Masters has already started preparations for next year.
This title becomes Grand Masters’ 8th title and their 4th in five years, making them the number one Road March title holder, surpassing Ellie Matt’s seven.
‘Step Pon Dem’ is a tune in which the Grand Masters Band highlights the Caribbean’s ability to party and also the Grand Masters’ partying ability.
Second place went to ‘De soap drop’ from Small Axe Band amassing a total of 19 points and there was a tie for third place between ‘Stupidness’ by Mighty Honesty and ‘Irep’ from Nu Vybes totaling 11 points each
The results were announced at 11:00 am by carnival chairperson Ms. Shannon Hawley on state radio station ZIZ.