ARUBA CROWNS TUMBA ROYALITY: RESULTS FROM FESTIVAL DI TUMBA INFANTIL, HUBENIL Y GRANDI 2026

The rhythm of Tumba has spoken! Aruba has officially crowned its new Tumba Kings and Queen for the 72nd Carnival season. In a night filled with excellent arrangements, lyrical wit, and unmatched “ambiente,” the local music community came together to showcase the island’s prestigious musical tradition of Tumba.

Here are the official results across the categories:

Tumba Grandi (Adult Category)

The main event saw Roderick “Rocco” Franken take the prestigious title of Rey di Tumba with the song “Decreto Official.” The composition and arrangement, both handled by Dwight Leoneta, secured the top spot.

• Rey di Tumba: Roderick “Rocco” Franken (Decreto Official)
• 1st Finalista: Jorienne Angela (Tene Wanta den Gloria)
• 2nd Finalista: Chantal Quant (Aruba Alerta)
• Tumba Loco Winner: Gino Petrocchi (Bati’e P’e Sali)

Special Awards (Grandi):

• Best Costume: Jorienne Angela
• Mas Popular: Edgar “Popy” Kock
• Rookie of the Year: Chantal Quant
• Best Composition & Arrangement: Decreto Official (Dwight Leoneta)

Tumba Hubenil (Youth Category)

The youth category proved that the future of Tumba is in capable hands. Melody Franken dominated the evening, taking home the crown of Reina di Tumba Hubenil with her performance of “Ban Cumi.”

• Reina di Tumba Hubenil: Melody Franken (Ban Cumi)
• 2nd Place: Jaylon Machado (Amor)
• 3rd Place: Stephanie Quant (Ey mi ta bay)

Special Awards (Hubenil):

• Best Costume: Jaylon Machado
• Mas Popular: Melody Franken
• Mas Ambiente: Melody Franken
• Rookie of the Year: Jaylon Machado

Tumba Infantil (Children’s Category)

The youngest performers also shined, with Jaymerson Kelly being crowned Rey di Tumba Infantil.

• Rey di Tumba Infantil: Jaymerson Kelly (Oloshi Cana Pami).
• 2nd Place: Hailey Koolman (Ban Carg’e).

Special Awards (Infantil):

• Best Costume: Jaymerson Kelly.
• Mas Popular: Hailey Koolman.
• Mas Ambiente: Jaymerson Kelly.
• Rookie of the Year: Jaymerson Kelly.

Behind the Music

A special shout-out goes to the composers and arrangers who are the backbone of this festival. Names like Dwight Leoneta, Chendell Beaumont, Quincy Hasham, Raul Piar, Tattoo, Janiro Eisden and Rygel Emanuel Isabella were instrumental in bringing these winning sounds to life. Also want to mention the great job of Judges who had it dificult.

Congratulations to all the participants, musicians, and winners who continue to keep our cultural heritage alive.