In an unprecedented display of artistic mastery, Chester “Daddy Chess” Letang has secured a monumental double victory during Dominica’s 2026 Carnival celebrations. The newly crowned Calypso Monarch has now been officially declared Road March champion by the Dominica Calypso Association, completing a remarkable sweep of the festival’s most prestigious titles.
The Road March competition, which measures musical popularity based on song plays during carnival processions, saw Daddy Chess’s infectious tune “Roof Leakin” dominate the soundscape. Official tallies revealed the track was played 101 times during Carnival Monday and Tuesday festivities, far surpassing his nearest competitor. Nachel secured second position with 51 plays, followed by Tasha P (33 plays), Kalfa P (29 plays), and Mystrie (18 plays).
This dual triumph represents the culmination of a spectacular twenty-year career resurgence for the veteran calypsonian. His winning trajectory began earlier this month when he captured the Stardom Calypso Tent Monarch title, subsequently claiming the overall Calypso Monarch crown on February 14th. In that competition, Nachel emerged as first runner-up, with Joy and De Bobb securing second and third places respectively.
The 2026 calypso season presented significant organizational challenges for the newly installed DCA executive team, which only assumed office on October 12, 2025. Despite the condensed preparation timeline, the association successfully orchestrated a complete competition schedule featuring eliminations (December 13, 2025), quarterfinals (January 17, 2026), semifinals (January 31, 2026), and grand finals (February 14, 2026).
Public Relations Officer Peter Letang reflected on the season as a period of dedicated execution and competitive excellence that maintained carnival’s vibrant tradition. Looking forward, the executive committee plans to conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify strengths and areas for improvement to enhance future editions of this culturally significant event.