Steelpan Music News - History and Culture

  Susan Japsi Happy Birthday to Susan Japsi January 31st When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to steelpan music supporter Susan Japsi Steel Sensation Steel Orchestra - “Perfect” - BSO's 2018 'Pan Is Sweet' Relevant content Steel Sensation Steel Orchestra - Performance at BSO’s ‘Pan Is Sweet’ competition

  Leon “Smooth” Edwards  Happy Birthday to Leon “Smooth” Edwards January 31st When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Leon “Smooth” Edwards Relevant content Leon “Smooth” Edwards - Panorama Arranger - Panonthenet LEON “SMOOTH” EDWARDS‘PASS THE PEPPER’ by Dalton Narine Cool Hand Smooth All Stars, Arranger, ‘Bounce and Drive’ on Hat-Trick Hunt Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra - “Woman On The Bass” | Leon “Smooth” Edwards | Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 1980 Leon 'Smooth' Edwards -Arranger For Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra - Steelband Panorama 2006 Exclusive Interview Leon Edwards Arranger Trinidad All Stars 2005 T&T Panorama Season

  Shawndel George on stage for 2017 Panorama semi-finals Happy Birthday to Shawndel P. George January 31st When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Shawndel P. George “Being a woman player in the world-famous Phase II Pan Groove is humbling. The idea of being affiliated with the band, not just as a female but as a regular member of the band is something to be proud of. However, when specifically talking about being a woman player in the band, I always feel comfortable and embraced by my male counterparts. The men look out for the women. They are like our brothers. I do not feel less of myself being a part of a band that is male-dominated. And to play the music of the great Mozart of Pan - Len “Boogsie” Sharpe - is indeed an honour.” -  Shawndel P. George She is a “pro.” And excellence is her game - whether as a media personality or panist for the world-renowned Phase II Pan Groove. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Shawndel George shares her...

By Dillon Goring -- Guyana Chronicle Published with the expressed permission of the author In a 2019 article on thingsguyana.com, an online magazine, Andrew Tyndall in his post as Mashramani Coordinator said: The Pepperpot Magazine spoke with Mr. Clayton Daniels, a pan tuner who has been involved in both the tuning and playing of pan music for the past 25 years. According to Daniels, the survival of pan music in Guyana hinges mainly on the promotion of the music via radio, concerts and the teaching of the music in schools. “ Steel band in Guyana normally survives from the school system. You graduate from the school system and move into the bigger band. Since the coronavirus came about, all of that has been ceased…There is competition next month [February], but it would be a small competition,” Daniels told the Guyana Pepperpot Magazine Read more

  Wayne Bernard Happy Birthday to Wayne Bernard January 31st When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Wayne Bernard “I do not believe there is a challenge that would be difficult for this generation because it is some of the same people who have grown up in steelpan during the same tough and challenging times. With that being said, this generation has a creative and open-minded way to make anything possible, and I believe we are in good hands moving forward.” –– Wayne Bernard The accepted norm is that “Nice guys finish last.” But not always. There is a chance that might change in this specific instance. When Steel Talks has keenly watched the growth and development of Wayne Bernard from youngster to adult. He is humble, selfless, thoughtful, compassionate, highly intelligent and committed to the forward progress of the steelband artform and culture. In a When Steel Talks exclusive - manager, performing artist, administrator, and panist Wayne Bernard - shares his ...

  Quill Barthelmy Happy Birthday to Quill Barthelmy January 30th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Quill Barthelmy  “...my main role is to be a mentor, a leader, an organiser and a role model for the entire band. I think it’s very important to have women in lead roles, because this encourages girls and young women to express themselves and take on an active role.” She is one of the main driving forces behind the success of Panorama Champion, Laborie Steelpan. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - mentor, director, manager and musician Quill Barthelmy shares her experiences, expectations and views on Pan in St. Lucia, and the steelpan art form. Zouk-la (Kassav cover) by Caribbean Grains Laborie Steel Pan Relevant content Meet Quill Barthelmy - Laborie, Saint Lucia Caribbean Grains Laborie Steel Pan, back at the panyard!

  Joel Ramdwar Happy Birthday to Joel Ramdwar January 30th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Joel Ramdwar Joel Ramdwar performing with Pan Evolution at Pan Is Sweet 2019 Joel Ramdwar performing with Pantonic Steel Orchestra Relevant content Joel Ramdwar performing with Pan Evolution at Pan Is Sweet 2019 Joel Randar performing with ADLIB Steel Orchestra Joel Ramdwar with Pantonic Steel Orchestra

  Nakiya Athina de Freitas Happy Birthday to Athina de Freitas January 30th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Athina de Freitas  “I would tell any young female panist to go for it. If it’s something you love and enjoy, don’t let anything deter you from that passion. You will face many ups and downs and you will feel like giving up, but just keep going.”  - Nakiya Athina de Freitas She is focused, driven and extremely talented. And represents the future of Pan. She is a music major who has firm ideas on the way forward in Pan. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Nakiya Athina de Freitas shares her feelings, experiences, and insight into the Steelband music art form and more Nakiya Athina de Freitas Relevant content Meet Nakiya Athina de Freitas - Antigua

Manager of NLCB Fonclaire Darren Sheppard said while as a musician he needed the money, he would have preferred the events to be held later in the year, when Government had a better handle on covid19. “Yes, we want to be involved in the Carnival space and want to boost activity in the steelpan community, but if the ultimate goal is for an uptick in vaccination, then we don’t have enough time for that to be a reality. “We are preparing, but still waiting on the terms of condition of involvement. One of the key things for us is that as a South/Central band we have transportation expenses, when the bands in the north usually have none or much less. “All the discussions about a flat fee and the bands participating – we are agitating for consideration that our transportation is not included.” He said it is his understanding that all the medium and large bands, like Fonclaire, will perform at a concert-like show at the QPS, while single pans and small bands will be hosted at Naparima Bowl. ...

  Samantha Nicholson Burton at Despers USA Happy Birthday to Samantha Nicholson Burton January 29th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist,  Samantha Nicholson Burton performing with Despers USA

  Lauren Pierre Happy Birthday to Lauren Pierre January 29th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Lauren Pierre  “I truly believe that work shouldn’t feel like work. If steelpan is your passion, work hard at your craft and you will succeed. Be courageous.” ––  Lauren Pierre Relevant content Meet Lauren Pierre - Administrator, Planner, Panist - UpClose & Personal!

  Gerard Mendez Beverley wants three Moore years. Beverley Ramsey-Moore keeps repeating to the public that Mr. Keith Diaz got three extra years and she can’t understand why it is a problem now under her leadership.  The conundrum Pan Trinbago has found itself in once again, is as a result of dishonor, disrespect and dishonesty. Beverley Ramsey-Moore and her depleted executive of six out of ten has gone mad with power. An executive with a despotic hold on power at any cost which in this case is at the cost of the national instrument and all its stakeholders.  October 2021 was the official end of Beverley’s term in office which means, according to the constitution, she can no longer be considered the president of Pan Trinbago. In true dictatorial fashion, she kicked Dane Gulston and myself (Gerard Mendez) out of a zoom meeting, in order to make the decision to postpone the election. She then reached out to her supporters to sign that they agreed with her decision. Since ...

  Justyne Simon with Despers USA Happy Birthday to Justyne Simon January 29th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Justyne Simon  “....The feeling I get when I’m playing – it’s like I can feel the music running through my body. Playing pan invoked so many positive emotions. I found myself thinking about it 24/7. Singing before I went to sleep and waking up, picking up right where I left off....I just love steel pan so much. I can’t imagine life without it.”  -  Justyne Simon To say that she ‘loves’ Pan would be an understatement. It is in fact, fulfillment; it completes her. With a primary concern for the state of Pan In New York, she is all about the art form. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - passionate panist and performing artist Justyne Simon shares her reflections, experiences and views on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall. Relevant content Meet Justyne Simon - Brooklyn, New York Justyne Simon with Despers USA Steel ...

  Pan On The Move Steel Orchestra’ - is one of the bands which has participated in the 2022 virtual steelpan competition called “Jam Yuh Set, In-De-Rama.”   Support the band, and get more data on them, here --   https://www.panonthenet.com/tnt/bios/bands/singlepan/pan-on-the-move-bio.htm   “Jam Yuh Set, In De Rama” is an initiative of ‘Pan Moving Forward.’

  Award winning broadcast journalist Sharmain Baboolal Happy Birthday to Sharmain Baboolal January 29th Sharmain Baboolal is simply one Trinidad & Tobago's finest news editor and journalist. A Journalist/Editor based in Trinidad and Tobago, with 35 years experience in print, broadcast and digital media. As a founding member of the T&T Mirror Newspaper, I served as photo journalist, columnist and editor over 23 years. Single-handedly, I established a small but effective News Department at Trinidad and Tobago Radio Network Limited (TTRN). As a seasoned news woman I am skilled in photojournalism, parliament and court reporting, writing and producing for print, electronic (radio and video) as well as digital media and promotions. I have mentored and trained a few younger writers and producers along the way. For this and more I earned a National Award in 2012, the Humming Bird Medal (Gold). - Sharmain Baboolal  Relevant content The Renegades Revolution Arrangers a...

  Famed Londonbeat Singer Jimmy Chambers January 29th Happy Birthday to Jimmy Chambers Born in the Caribbean twin islands of Trinidad & Tobago (T&T), Jimmy Chambers traveled to England with great expectations of being a successful singer and has since realised that ambition. Having graduated college, Jimmy met up with up-and-coming vocalists of the day including Robert Palmer with whom he co-fronted the band DaDa. Jimmy recorded solo after the demise of DaDa and had success in the dance charts in the 80s before recording an album with Paul Young and doing a world tour with him. He also performed at Wembley Stadium with Paul at LIVE AID in 1985. In 1987 Jimmy teamed up with pals Jimmy Helms, George Chandler and Willy M and co-founded Londonbeat. Jimmy wrote the song “I’ve Been Thinking About You” which Londonbeat recorded. The song became a massive hit getting to #1 in 27 countries! Londonbeat still gigs regularly all over the world. I've Been Thinking About You - Londonbeat...

Natasha Joseph Happy Birthday to Natasha Joseph January 28th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Natasha Joseph “I am heavily influenced by Jazz music. My study and listening collection of music comprises of John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker, Chick Corea, Irakere, Dafnis Prieto, Keith Jarret and locally Clive Bradley , Len “Boogsie” Sharpe , Rupert Clemendore, Aldwyn Roberts, Arthur De Coteau and Earl Rodney .” -- Natasha joseph No last name is needed for instant recognition in the world of Pan for “Natasha.” She is as equally humble as she is immensely talented. Destined for greatness - she is a musical prodigy who has the respect of her peers. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - educator, performer, arranger, composer and drill-master Natasha Joseph provides insight into her expectations and experiences as an elite panist in Trinidad and Tobago. Relevant content Meet Natasha Joseph of Trinidad and Tobago - Panonthenet Natasha ...

  Koreece Graham Happy Birthday to Koreece Graham January 28th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Koreece Graham Relevant content Koreece Graham - bio Koreece Graham named 2020 Panorama arranger of C&B Crown Cordaans Steel Orchestra - small band category Participants for Small Conventional Steel Orchestra Competition - Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama 2020

Roger Greenidge Happy Birthday to Roger Greenidge January 26th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Roger Greenidge   Roger Greenidge performing with Moods Pan Groove Roger Greenidge with Pan Masters

 

Malikiya Bando at Vaughnette Bigford’s ʽDe Sunset Pan Jazz Lime 2021’ in Naparima Bowl - photo: Da Pelican pictures Happy Birthday to Malikiya Bando January 26th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Malikiya Bando  “...the lack of respect that is given to us by the wider national community is disappointing. Even though music is a part of everyday life, citizens still do not recognise how much discipline and talent are needed to learn and perform. Steelpan has given so much wealth and merriment to other communities of persons; why can’t some of these work with us to improve our livelihood?...” -- Malikiya Bando She is young, gifted and wise beyond her years. She sees the way forward. In addition she is a valued member of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra and Caribbean Steelpan Connextion. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - musician Malikiya Bando shares her experiences, views, reflections and dreams on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall. Maliki...

    Attillah Springer Happy Birthday to Attillah Springer January 26th In regards to Pan: "We don’t know the value of what we have. Imagine how awesome we would be if we did.” Attillah Springer  Never on the sidelines, always in the mix, cultural and social activist Attillah Springer of Trinidad and Tobago - in an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - shares her wisdom and insight on the steelpan art form and much, much more. Relevant content Meet Attillah Springer - Trinidad and Tobago  

    President, Renegades Steel Orchestra Happy Birthday to Michael Marcano  January 26th ““...For it to be deemed the world’s greatest show, it must be of a certain caliber. Only the best steel orchestras in the land should be on display. A band can’t keep its doors locked for 11 months in the year, invest no time or effort in training young players, then come January, pull out some instruments, hire a bunch of mercenaries – for whom government must pay the bill - and enter Panorama.””  Michael Marcano Relevant content The Carnival Is Not Over Who Said So?  

  ‘Pan De All Stars’ - is one of the bands which has participated in the 2022 virtual steelpan competition called “Jam Yuh Set, In De Rama.”   Support the band, and get more data on them, here ---         https://www.panonthenet.com/tnt/bios/bands/singlepan/pan-de-all-stars-bio.htm

  Pan Trinbago President Beverly Ramsey-Moore. In November Ramsey-Moore said the election was postponed in the best interest of the organisation’s elderly membership. On Monday, bandleaders from City Sun Valley Pan Groove, Belmont Hi-Larks, Diatonic Steel Orchestra, Western Stars Philharmonics, Power Stars, Desperadoes and Trinidad East Side Symphony spoke to the media at Pan Trinbago’s headquarters on Duke and Melbourne Street, Port of Spain. They condemned Ramsey-Moore for keeping mum on the postponed election and annual general meeting. The last AGM was held in 2018. They also raised concerns about the government’s safe-zone Carnival plans and threatened not to take part in any pan activities until the election happens. Contacted for comment, Ramsey-Moore paused for a few seconds before saying, “No comment, no comment.” See more

  Mustafa Alexander Happy Birthday to Mustafa Alexander January 25th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Mustafa Alexander Mustafa Alexander performs  He has had years of profitability on the event-performance circuit. Now panist and businessman Mustafa Alexander takes some time out to share his path to success, for the benefit of aspiring would-be career musicians, with a focus on those within the global steelband fraternity, in this exclusive interview with When Steel Talks. Relevant Content Pantonic Steel Orchestra at MIT- WST Steelband Music Channel

   National Education and Research  Officer of  The National Workers Union (NWU) Happy Birthday to Gerry Kangalee January 25th “Without new, visionary leadership, we will continue to wallow in the hog pond that we know. This will lead to institutionalized mediocrity and fifty years from now we will still be shouting that we created the Pan; that it is ‘we thing’ and ‘nobody does it better than we’...but we will be shouting from the sideline.” Gerry Kangalee Relevant content Meet Gerry Kangalee, author of ‘Out of Pain This Culture Was Born’ - UpClose ! The Steelband of Trinidad & Tobago - Out of pain this culture was born  

  Pan Stereonettes - Single Pan Pan Stereonettes “Ascending from a legacy of ingenuity, the steelpan has displayed the ability to shape society; uniting people of many creeds and races and carrying them through times of adversity.” This is the thought held by the members who first started the Pan Stereonettes - Mr. Alphion Byron and Mr. Vernon Ruiz. See complete bio

   AJ Forteau  performs with Sonatas Steel Orchestra Happy Birthday to AJ Forteau January 23th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, AJ Forteau  AJ Forteau performs with Sonatas Steel Orchestra Relevant Content Genesis Pan Groove - Pan Is Sweet 2018 - Trailer

Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts 21 January 2022 The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts takes note of the comments in the public domain related to the headline in Thursday’s (Thursday 20, 2022) Daily Express, “Carnival is On” . It is unfortunate that the statement released by this Ministry was misinterpreted by the Daily Express, which caused the misleading headline, “Carnival is On”. This misleading headline has, understandably, generated negative feedback from some of this Ministry’s most valuable Carnival and event industry stakeholders who may have connected the headline in the Daily Express to the Ministry’s positions on Carnival 2022. To reiterate, the Ministry has proposed a “Taste of Carnival” which would include specific types of Carnival activities for vaccinated persons only in safe zone arrangements deemed to pose the least risk from a public health standpoint in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic....

  Kassie Pierre  performs with ADLIB Steel Orchestra Happy Birthday to Kassie Pierre  January 22th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Kassie Pierre Kassie Pierre performs with ADLIB Steel Orchestra Relevant Content ADLIB Steel Orchestra - “Iron Love” - (‘Cool Down’ version - Video) CASYM Steel Orchestra - “Year For Love” – (‘Cool-down’ version) - video 2018 New York Panorama - CASYM Steel Orchestra - “Year For Love” - video Tempo Version

In Photo from left – Steve Regis, Elton “Smokey” John, Herman Colins, Conrad Hunte, unknown, unknown, Sidney Portier, Hugh Borde, unknown, In 1964, The Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband performed at the Moral Re-Armament Conference at Mackinac Island, Michigan. Maybe it was serendipity that caused Bahamian born American actor Sidney Poitier (1927-2022) to be present at one of the band’s performances while he was visiting his daughter, who was attending the conference. He was so overwhelmed with the music that he insisted on meeting the players. As can be seen in the photo, the meeting brought great joy to Poitier (with pan sticks in hand) and all the musicians. See complete article  Relevant content To Sir With Love - Royal Bahamas Defence Force pays tribute to Sir Sidney Poitier - When Steel Talks  Who Am I? A Breakdown Of George “Sonny” Goddard’s Accomplishments Remembering the late Dr. Clifford Alexis - arranger, tuner, panist and member of the 1964 ‘Trinidad & To...

   Tiajuana Hernandez performs with Supernova Steel Orchestra Happy Birthday to Tiajuana Hernandez January 20th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Tiajuana Hernandez She’s a passionate proponent of the steelband art form.  In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, Tiajuana Hernandez does not hesitate to speak her mind as she shares her experiences, opinions, reflections and dreams on Pan, and the steelband art form overall. Tiajuana Hernandez performs with Supernova Steel Orchestra Superwoman- Alicia Keys Steelpan Cover by Tiajuana Hernande Relevant Content Meet Tiajuana Hernandez - Trinidad and Tobago

  Peter Noel "profiling" in his Village Voice cubicle, June 2000. Photograph by Georgia Popplewell Happy Birthday to Peter Noel January 19th PLAYING TO FEARMONGERING BY BILL O’RILEY and his ilk, the Giuliani administration unleashed an army of police, firefighters, and building inspectors who consistently raided a Brooklyn lot occupied by steelband players and masquerade designers preparing for Carnival 2000. The crackdown coincided with borough-wide raids, which disrupted or completely shut down some pan yards, mas’ camps, and backyard parties, and the Giuliani administration’s ban on the sale of alcohol during the nation’s largest ethnic gathering. “Why do we have to take medicine for someone else’s fever?” asked an irate Dawad W. Philip, a steelband advocate. -- From Peter Noels book - Why Blacks Fear 'America's Mayor': Reporting Police Brutality and Black Activist Politics Under Rudy Giuliani Relevant content Remembering the Steelband Raids of Brooklyn  by Pet...

  Ainsworth Mohammed Happy Birthday to Ainsworth Mohammed January 18th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to, Ainsworth Mohammed CEO of Exodus Steel Orchestra “The Band was formed out of PRINCIPLE. Discipline, Commitment and Respect for self and others, are the cornerstones of Exodus's foundation. Clear objectives and strong focus on our image.”  -  Ainsworth Mohammed Relevant content Meet the chief executive officer for the acclaimed Exodus Steel Orchestra, Ainsworth Mohammed Exodus Steel Orchestra in Antigua & Barbuda  

  CALYPSOCIATION SUNDAY BAND LADB STEELBAND CALYPSOCIATION CLEMBAZBAND THE PANVENGERS CALYPSOCIATION JUMBIES CALYPS ATLANTIC  PAN'N'CO STEELBAND 8. LES ALLUMETTES STEELBAND 9. CHROMA STEEL 10. CALYPSOCIATION PAN KILLERS 10. KARUKERA STEELBAND 12. PAN'S PASSION 13. PANATCHAO 14. BIDON E VOUS 15. STEELALIVE 16. MILPAN 17. A CLOCH PAN 18.PANASUC     See More

  Educator, Arranger, Composer and Performing Artist Khuent Rose   Happy Birthday to Khuent Rose January 16th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Khuent Rose “….Coming from the Brooklyn genesis of pan - it was the pan yard, you know? It has always been the panyard. You fall in love with the panyard. Even people that come from the academy, that come from the school, and have any kind of experience with the panyard – they fall in love with it. It's visceral. It's like eating - ribs with your finger- it just does that to you.... Sometimes the people sitting in the classroom, look at the panyard and say “It’s unrefined.” And then the people sitting in the panyard look in the classroom and say “It’s sterile,” when really it’s just a matter of understand the perspective….””   - Khuent Rose A musical tribute to the Mighty Shadow by Khuent Rose See more Relevant Content Meet Khuent Rose - Educator, Arranger, Composer, Performing Artist - UpClose! Randy Wes...

   When Steel Talks  Remembering the late Dr. Clifford Alexis January 15th Global - In 1964 twenty-two members of the Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband toured the United States and created steelpan music history. Among the virtual who’s who of outstanding panists who were picked for the tour was noted NIU ( Northern Illinois University ) tuner, steelpan instrument builder and program director Clifford Alexis . Trinidad and Tobago Steel Band returns from 1964 tour - From (L to R) Back row - Lennox Glean (Wonderland), Kelvin Hart (City Syncopators), Herman Collins (Sun Valley), Osmond Charles (Savoys), Hugh Borde (Tripoli), Emmanuel “Jack” Riley (Invaders), Steve Regis (Sun Downers), Rudolph Johnson (Fascinators), Morrison Romeo (Starlift - Tobago) Front row (R to L) - Elton John (City Symphony), Kenneth Bennett (San Juan All Stars), Clifford Alexis (Stereophonics), Vincent Hernandez (Satisfiers), Desmond Hernandez (Melodiscs), Randolph St Louis (Renegades) Missing ...