Steelpan Music News - History and Culture

  Natasha Isaac Meet Natasha Isaac - Brooklyn, New York Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form “My grandfather [ Steve “Shart” Edwards ] used to play “traps” for Solo Harmonites and my cousin used to play with Caribbean Youth Panoramics (C.Y.P.), but I was never really interested in pan until I was in middle school ( Philippa Schuyler ). There I started playing and decided I wanted to play outside of school.”-- Natasha Isaac Brooklyn New York - She truly has ‘Pan in her DNA...’ In an exclusive, WST speaks to one of Brooklyn's finest - Natasha Isaac See complete interview

  When Steel Talks - Reboot Meet Glenda Gamory - the late President of Pantonic Steel Orchestra Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form Glenda Gamory Brooklyn, New York, USA -  At a very young age she said to her mentor - the iconic Rudolph Charles of the famed Desperadoes Steel Orchestra “Trail”, when I grow up - I want to be just like you. I want to lead a steelband, take it to Panorama and win. To which he replied - “G-Forde whatever you put your mind to you can do it.” “It’s great when you have good people behind you... Just say I’m the chief, cook and bottle washer.”  ....Glenda Forde-Gamory See more Glenda Gamory - Pantonic Steel Orchestra - UpClose

  We have a live performance today in our studio with the very talented steelpan musician Justin Homer! Join us as we get to know him and his amazing music.

  When Steel Talks - Reboot Meet Jenny Gilberg - UK Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form Jenny Gilberg “I think all the arts are connected. Music, art, dance, etc, are all media to express yourself and to be creative. I am privileged to be able to work within the arts.  “ As an artist I am influenced by my life as a musician, and vice versa. There was once a time when I tried to separate the two passions, but it’s just who I am. I’ve had a number of art exhibitions in London and the North East. One of these was at Wallington Hall, a National Trust property in Northumberland, when I composed a soundscape to accompany the paintings I had on display, in which I am playing flute and pan.”    United Kingdom -  From Panorama player to music educator - she has experienced all aspects of the Pan up close and personal. Performer, arranger, and now director - the steelpan instrument is in her blood. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, Jenny Gilberg of New Castle upon Tyne,

 When Steel Talks extends anniversary greetings to Panache Steel Orchestra.  Related content: Cool & Smooth 25-A-Side Launches New Era Panache Steel Orchestra - The Good Life Panache performing Perfida at the 2008  Panache Steel Orchestra on stage performing "Perfidia" at the 2008 25-A-Side Competition

  When Steel Talks Rudolph Charles remains... The Baddest Desperado by Dalton Narine Photo provided by David Rudder Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  Thirty-seven years ago, Laventille’s Rudolph Charles shuffled off this mortal coil and went out in style - a glam funeral service, his soul encased in the Chariot pans he invented and three religions vying for meager props at his rites on the banks of the Caroni - as an age of innocence was nearing its own death. See more

Junior and Ingrid Samuel MORE PICTURES HERE Related content: D’Radoes Steel Orchestra D'Radoes on Flatbush Ave for J'Ouvert 2016 2014 NY Panorama Champion D'Radoes Steel Orchestra - Spankin’ D'Radoes owns J'Ouvert - Nobody Badda Than We D’Radoes Steel Orchestra Delivers Musical ‘Spankin’’ - Takes New York Panorama Title for First Time

   Zahra Lake 2018 -- Zahra Lake became the first champion woman arranger in the National Antigua and Barbuda Panorama with the orchestra Panache Steel Orchestra . The tune of choice was ‘Good Time.’ In 2017 she had been the first-ever female arranger in that country's annual national Panorama. | see more | Antigua Panorama 2017 - Zahra Lake - Panache Steel Orchestra - Jumbie Relevant content Meet Zahra Lake - Antigua & Barbuda

  Jabari Sharpe & Jahi Sharpe Happy Birthday to Jabari Sharpe & Jahi Sharpe March 28th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panists, Jabari Sharpe & Jahi Sharpe Relevant content Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra - Performance at BSO’s ‘Pan Is Sweet’ competition Relevant videos Pantonic Steel Orchestra - My House "Hideaway" - Tessanne Chin - Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra Let Me Love You - Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra - BSO - Special - "Pan Is Sweet"

When Steel Talks extends condolences to the family and friends of elite Caribbean vocalist Dexter “Blaxx” Stewart. It is When Steel Talks’ opinion that “Blaxx” was one of the most talented musicians of his era. Dexter John Stewart, better known as “Blaxx” was born December 21st, 1962. Dexter started his musical journey at the tender age of thirteen, where his father Jerry Stewart who fielded his own band called “Jerry and New School” molded him into what we see today. Dexter then joined a very popular band called “Fucceccion” where he became “Blaxx” after a ten-year span. He then went on to join many other bands like “Atlantic”, “Byron Lee and the Dragonaires” and “Blue Ventures.” He transitioned into his stage name, “Blaxx”, after a decade with his first band – a moniker that was born from his dark brown skintone that had often been a source of contention for his progress and success in the industry. In 1999 when the legend himself, Mr. Roy Cape approached “Blaxx” and asked him

  Dr. Dawn K. Batson 2000 - Under the direction of Dr. Batson, the Florida Memorial Steel Ensemble by 1998 was invited to perform at the 2000 World Steelband Festival earned the honor of being the first ensemble outside of Trinidad & Tobago to win or tie for first place in a competition in the land of its birth. The Florida Memorial Steel Ensemble earned this honor performing Dr. Batson’s original work “ Black Holes Do Exist ”. Dr. Batson was also later appointed Chair of the Board of the Trinidad Tobago National Steel Orchestra by the President of Trinidad and Tobago providing additional recognition of her position as one of the world’s leading authorities on the steel pan. | see more |

  By Stephen Spark - SocaNews One hundred steelpan players drawn from four of the UK’s top steel bands will play for Her Majesty at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Buckingham Palace on Sunday 5 June. The combined steel band will be formed of 25 players from each of the four bands: Ebony Steelband, Mangrove Steel Orchestra, Croydon Steel Orchestra and Metronomes. Appropriately, in the centenary year of the Grandmaster’s birth, the music will be  Pan in A Minor  and  London is the Place for Me  by the late Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts), arranged by Andre White. Pans will be tuned by Birch Kelman and Dudley Dickson, and the musical director for the performance is to be Leon ‘Foster’ Thomas. See more

    When Steel Talks - Reboot Meet Ninomiya Chihiro - Japan Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form Ninomiya Chihiro “My name is Ninomiya Chihiro. I’m 27 years old. I teach and play the steelpan in Japan. I started playing the piano at the age of three. While studying percussion at university of music in Japan I was introduced to the steelpan. I am involved with the steelpan daily. Currently, I am teaching steelpan at  music shops, the Pan Village steelpan school and a large steelpan class.” --  Ninomiya Chihiro It was love at first sight or fate as she calls it. She is a player for Panland Steel Orchestra in Japan and World Champion Phase II Pan Groove of Trinidad and Tobago. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, Chihiro Ninomiya of Japan, shares how the steelpan instrument has impacted her life and her love for Phase II Pan Groove. See complete interview Ninomiya Chihiro with Phase II Pan Groove

   When Steel Talks - Reboot Meet Rosanna Toney of Brooklyn, New York Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form Rosanna Toney  “It was easy for me to adapt to the engine room through my profession as a dancer; I’m a dance instructor, that’s my ‘living.’  I love rhythm and I also play drums, and through that I said “I just have to play the ‘scratcher.’”  I just love music, I could play the congas, the cow bell, you know. That’s where it [the love for “scratching” in the engine room] really comes from.” “And my father is also a panist, [back] home [Trinidad]; at the age of eighty-something, eighty-five he still plays pan.  From small, you know, we in to that; he always had us into beating this bucket and ting, beating the rhythm.  He played with Sun Valley and Sonny Roach years ago, but now he plays with a small family group.”   --  Rosanna Toney  Culture is her lifeblood. The Performing Arts flows through her veins. She’s a triple threat - Educator, Dancer, and Percussionist - Rosa

  Meet Yasmin Brito - Ontario, Canada Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form Yasmin Brito “I can smile now but back then I was called every derogatory name in the book by the villagers, especially the elders. They would say “Girls should not be playing pan and especially with a band of only men.” One neighbor would always tell my mother... “Look at her long fingers, she should be playing the piano and not a pan”.”  Yasmin Brito Ontario, Canada - At 12 years old Yasmin Brito was playing pan in a steelband. And while the neighbors had less than kind things to say about this - she had fun. Much fun - made history by becoming one of the first of the firsts in the annals of pan - an unwitting trailblazer with memories and experiences that have lasted a lifetime. See complete interview

   When Steel Talks - Reboot Meet Koruri Hanato of Japan Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form Koruri Hanato “I’m Koruri Hanato, a member of PANPLE steelband in Japan. My favorite things are arranging pan music, playing double second, and playing in Panorama in Trinidad. I have been playing in Panorama... since 2004, every year I’m coming to play from the other side of the earth :-) Japan - She is a panist, arranger and leader of Panple Steel Orchestra in Japan. And she is a member of the famed Trinidad All Stars. In an exclusive interview, Koruri shares her immeasurable joy and love of Panorama, the steelpan instrument, its music and culture on When Steel Talks. See more

March is the month we celebrate Women. A few weeks ago we laid to rest the most brilliant, humble and caring woman I've ever known. Mommy loved her plants, children, Georgetown basketball, and of course Pan. March 23 was her birthday. Mom back in the day

  Tony Joseph Happy Birthday to  Tony Joseph March 24th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist Tony Joseph Related content: Dingolay - Metro Steel Orchestra - Clive Bradley arranger - 1992 Tell Me Why - Metro Steel Orchestra - Clive Bradley arranger -1990 Nothing for You - Metro Steel Orchestra - arranger Clive Bradley - 2000 Tony Joseph in pictures An Exclusive Interview with Toney Joseph - 2002

When Steel Talks - Reboot Meet Gay Magnus - Jamaica Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form Gay Magnus Jamaica, W.I. - A focused, determined, disciplined and extremely talented, musical director of UWI Panoridim, Gay Magnus brings it all to the table. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks the panist shares her love and unconcealed passion for the steelpan instrument, its music, the art form and more. See complete interview

  Renowned panist, Victor "Babu" Samuel Snr has spoken with ABS News on the heels of being recognized over the weekend for his contribution to the Police Force band. Despite illness, Samuel speaks to ABS News about his extraordinary sojourn with the art form. Related content Wedding Bells for Antiguan arranger Victor ‘Babu’ Samuel - Prime Minister is best man Victor “Babu” Samuel Steelband Panorama Champions of Antigua and Barbuda Total Career Panorama Wins - Antigua & Barbuda

  When Steel Talks Remembering the irrepressible Tressy Edwards-  RIP Tressy Edwards “Being a member of Phase II, it is very humbling yet proud for me. I love it there because we are all like family - everyone with their own personalities but we get along for one purpose. I love the rigorous practice sessions and just to acknowledge that “Boogsie” is the Mozart of pan, is a thrilling feeling. Just to be part of it is overwhelming because he does things so differently from the others.” See review

  “STEEL PAN, oh what an invention./It should be the pride of our nation./Steelband music the world knows about it,/And is we invent it so why should we disregard it?/But what I am seeing lord it have me grieving./Why is the steelband still suffering?” – Merchant. When Merchant sang Pan in Danger he was begging our country to pay respect to the instrument that was born in Trinidad and Tobago – it being the only instrument invented in the 20th century. At that time there was a lot of lip service paid to the steel pan, but nothing changed. In 1998, Ian “Teddy” Belgrave, a teacher at the Arima Senior Comprehensive School, initiated a meeting inviting teachers who were interested in promoting the national instrument as a necessary part of the school’s curriculum. This meeting was held at the office of the and the result was the formation of the Pan in Schools Co-ordinating Council (PSCC). This body immediately decided to host a School Steelband Music Festival in 1999. The idea was to c

  Antigua Observer Maurisha Potter. Malik Smith. Jawan Henry By Latrishka Thomas Latrishka.thomas@antiguaobserver.com Three pannists from Antigua and Barbuda will be competing against 24 other musicians from across the world in the third annual PanoGrama competition. PanoGrama is an international steelpan competition which takes place in the virtual space each year. Maurisha Potter, Malik Smith and Jawan Henry are the local talents who will be flying the twin island nation’s flag in this year’s event. Potter, the current captain of the Panache Steel Orchestra, said that she is “looking forward” to representing Antigua and Barbuda once again. This is the 30-year-old’s second time entering the contest and this time around she says her desire is to “continue [to] grow as a pannist, as well as to expose what Antigua and Barbuda has to offer, especially as a female pannist, to an international audience”. The Cassada Gardens resident has been in the pan league for 18 years. T

  Al Foster Happy Birthday to Al Foster March 23rd When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist, Al Foster Ten time Toronto Panorama champion with Pan Phantasy Steelband  Pan Fantasy Steelband - Big People Party - Panorama 2014 - Basement Panyard Recordings Relevant content Pan Fantasy Steelband - Big People Party - Al “Allos” Foster arr. - Basement Panyard Recordings - Cool-Down Pan Fantasy Steelband Pan Alive Panorama and “Best Beating Band on de Road”

  When Steel Talks - Reboot Dr. Geraldine Connor (Educator, Theatre Director, Musician, Composer, Performer, Panist & Arranger) - In Her Own Words Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form Geraldine Connor Global - She was one of the pioneers who had huge dreams, tremendous respect and expectations for the steelpan instrument. Moreover, she applied her immense talents into the art form. She lit the torch, and pointed out which way was up. Through her few posts she told us about her accomplishments, gave us history, guidance and much encouragement. Notes and thoughts for the WST family from the legendary and iconic Dr. Connor. See more

  When Steel Talks - Reboot Meet Tamaki Hagihara - Tokyo, Japan Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form Tamaki Hagihara Ray Holman & Tamaki Hagihara, right “...I organized a large event of playing pan with 100 players in Yamanashi prefecture of Japan. I am very thankful to Mr. Ray Holman , who came all the way to Japan to perform with us. His virtuosic musicality has inspired us all and I feel very lucky to have witnessed his creativity first hand. “Throughout my career as a pan player, I have gained a “family of pan players” in Trinidad and Tobago. I would like to send them love and my appreciation for being part of my life.” “I love pan! No PAN, No Life for Tamaki!!” “4年前に山梨県内で、日本では珍しいスティールパンを100人で演奏するイベントを行った時に、レイホールマン氏が来日してくださったことに改めて感謝します。 そして、トリニダードにいるたくさんの”ファミリー”たちにも感謝しています。 私はスティールパンが大好きです！私にとってスティールパンのない人生は考えられません！” Tokyo, Japan - In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Tamaki Hagihara shares her personal journey and perspective on the global reach and in

  "...the biggest challenge facing women in pan is the public not realizing - or not accepting them yet; although they enjoy it [pan music]. When they have their programs they do not attend... so the finance is not there. And they would attend foreigners' [performances].... They won't [attend the pan performances] because you see they can walk into a panyard and watch them practice....So that is the greatest challenge - to get the public to realize - here is an artform, and they should pay for it. So they [pan players] practice freely, until the wee hours of the morning, and get no remuneration.  -- Esther Batson Music Educator Esther Batson was one of the stalwarts in the steelband culture of Trinidad and Tobago, and adjudicated steelband competitions internationally. Ms. Batson passed away on June 18, 2010 in Trinidad. Responsible for the mentoring and development of several of the country’s noted steelpan talents, it was Ms. Batson’s initiative of cultural exchanges whi

  Sage Harrison Happy Birthday to  Sage Harrison March 21st When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist Sage Harrison Sage Harrison with New York Pan Stars Sage Harrison with New York Pan Stars See more on Sage Harrison

  PanoGrama 2022 Line-Up Set Written by: Jodia Givans PanoGrama made its mark on the entertainment scene, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought physical events to a screeching halt in 2020. Now in its third year, the highly anticipated virtual steelpan competition is gearing up for more action. This year’s competition takes place from May 6 – June 12, 2022 and is set to feature 27 panists from a total of 11 countries. The competition has seen the return of several countries since its first and second staging, and welcomes newcomers St. Kitts & Nevis and Belize to the fold. The two newcomers will join Antigua & Barbuda, Canada, France, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, the USA, and the US Virgin Islands when the event gets underway. Belizean panist Alexander Evans is extremely excited to be participating in his first soloist steelpan competition. “ It is a privilege and an honor to be the first Belizean to participate in this competition, and I hope to re

  When Steel Talks - Reboot Meet Chantal Esdelle - Trinidad & Tobago Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form Chantal Esdelle Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  Although she is a scholar, an intellect and a deep thinker with many awards she remains humble. Indeed, it is her deep roots, knowledge of self and conscious awareness of who we are as a people amongst her vast accomplishments - that make her so special. She is a Trinidad and Tobago treasure. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist, ethnomusicologist, musician composer, arranger and educator Chantal Esdelle gives us an honest glimpse into who she is - her observations and concerns along with her love and unrestrained passion for the culture, history, steelpan instrument, its music, the art form and more. See more

  When Steel Talks Remembering the amazing Karen Codrington -  RIP Karen Codrington (far right) on bongo and timbales with the Codrington Family on Frederick Street - the early years Global -  “It is very challenging juggling the different roles as a housewife , mom, and musician. For example, sometimes I might be practicing at the pan yard while at the same time worrying about the pile of dirty clothes at home. Taking care of a family of 8 is no easy task but what makes it easier is the help of the rest of the family.”  -- Karen Codrington She lives it, talks it and walks it full time - 24-7-365. She is one of the world’s most successful steelpan parents. A panist and drummer in her own right, she oversees eight accomplished musicians. Share the real life of the matriarch of the Codrington’s Karen Codrington—in her own words—in a When Steel Talks exclusive. See interview