Vanilla’s comeback 10-time Road March Queen eyes 2026 Soca Monarch crown

A new dawn comes as 10-time Road March Queen Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts is back in the spotlight, earning a place in the finals of the 2026 Soca Monarch competition in Linden. Scheduled for February 20, Roberts will face off against former champions including Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Adrian Dutchin, and Diana Chapman in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of Soca talent.
Speaking with this publication, the Soca sensation, who has not participated in the competition for some time now, reflected on her journey so far and her plans for the grand finale. While she kept the finer details of her performance under wraps, she made it clear that she is bringing her A-game.
“I found this season to be particularly interesting because I’ve been managing my own personal challenges along with everything else happening in the competition… Usually, I would be the person who’s always on point, always ready, everything perfect. But this season, it’s been different. I’ve had to work through personal challenges while preparing for the competition, so it’s been a unique experience.”

Roberts spoke about her competition entry, the track We Don’t Play, and said the song stemmed from the identity of the Guyanese populace.
“The song talks about us. When we go there, we don’t play – we go there to party, to have fun. It also addresses the fact that I’ve been laid back over the past couple of years. People probably weren’t hearing from me, and I wanted to remind them that Vanilla’s here. The road was vexed with me; the fans were vexed with me. I’m here because of them. This song is about that.”
She also highlighted the song’s connection to the masquerade tradition. “If you listen to the drum patterns, you feel the energy. It’s all about masquerade. When you hear it, your shoulders start moving involuntarily, and you’re wondering what’s happening to your body. That’s why we don’t play with this one.”
Reflecting on her semi-final performance in Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Roberts described the experience as exhilarating. She noted that while she held back slightly during the semi-final, giving only a glimpse of her full performance, the event allowed her to pace herself for the finals. Roberts reportedly achieved the second-highest score in Essequibo and praised the judges, competition, and organisers for their efforts, adding that she thoroughly enjoyed her time on stage.
As she gears up for the finals, fans are eagerly anticipating her return to the Linden stage, ready to witness Vanilla’s energy, charisma, and unmistakable soca flair in full force.
The Road March Queen assured fans that she will leave nothing behind on stage.
“Now, this is a competition that you have to bring your A-game… props gotta be on par, stage presentation gotta be there, every single thing. I don’t want you to sell out… I can guarantee you on that night, I am prepared to give you that version of me. You know, the truest, purest version that you probably will ever see in a long time. You are going to get that version of Vanilla on the night of Soca Monarch Finals.”
Veteran performer Roberts acknowledged that this year’s competition features a strong field of competitors, including both seasoned champions and rising stars. She also reflected on her own status as a 10-time Road March Queen of Guyana and multiple-time runner-up, noting that all participants have grown alongside the music industry and will bring their unique strengths and experiences to the stage.
She described the upcoming event as high-energy and intense. “Soca Monarch competition night is definitely a competition to look forward to. It’s definitely going to be steamy. I ain’t gonna lie, it’s definitely going to be steamy. And this is why I have to bring the purest, purest version of Vanilla on that night.”