Steelpan Music News - History and Culture

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda extends heartiest congratulations to Victor "Babu" Samuel for achieving this most deserving national award. #RPFAB #forceofexcellence Victor ‘Babu’ Samuel – Governor General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Medal – Gold, for meritorious performance in Music Born on April 19th 1958, Victor Samuel spent his early years growing up in Church Lane in the City of St. John’s. In 1966 he moved with his family to the Grays Farm Community. Young Victor experienced primary school at the St. John’s Boy’s School, where inspired by his musician uncle, Mr. Pat King, he was drawn to membership in the school’s steel band in 1971. As his educational experience advanced to the Antigua Grammar School, his interest in pan music did not wane. He enlisted in the Supa Stars Steel Band which was led by Mr. Cornell Brookes and had made his secondary school its home. This was where he also

    Global  - Sometime in the late 1930s, the government in another of its persistent and futile attempts to suppress African cultural survivals, decided that the colony would more easily be governable if drums and other traditional musical instruments were outlawed. The colonials must have sensed, and correctly, the importance of music in the cultural independence and political resistance of the African masses. I would, of course, encounter this phenomenon again in the American South. But at least the George Wallaces and Ross Barnetts of that world never tried to outlaw our spirituals and freedom songs. Though I’m sure they must have often wished they could have. Kwame Ture on the Origin of Steel Bands So in Trinidad by legislative fiat an African could be jailed for possession of drums and other musical instruments? Not a gun, not a grenade, or some dynamite, but a drum? I have often tried, and failed, to visualize the campaign t

When Steel Talks extends our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Victor “Babu” Samuel on his passing on June 28, 2022. Victor “Babu” Samuel  This man has other notable achievements, these include: the first foreigner to arrange for a steelband in Trinidad’s Panorama; the most successful arranger in Antigua’s Steelband history. He also “drilled” for the Phase II Pan Groove, one of Trinidad’s leading steelbands. Achievements such as these only confirm Victor “Babu” Samuel as the undisputed champion steelband arranger of Antigua. The Antigua Grammar School had an affiliation with the Supa Stars Steel Orchestra of which “Babu” later became its number one (1) drummer. There again, he impressed everyone including the band’s arranger Trinidadian Phillip  Vansupre, who once remarked, “If only I had that little boy playing

  Antigua & Barbuda Panorama Champions Hells Gate (champions 1949, 1953, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1964, 1967, 1976, 1990, 1991,  2002, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 ) Halcyon (champions 1975, 1978, 1979, 1986, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995,  2008, 2010, 2011, 2016 ) Harmonites (champions 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1985,  2001, 2004 ) Gemonites (champions 1981,  2003, 2005 ) Ebonites (champions 1977,  2014 ) Panache (champions  2018 ) Steelband Panorama Champions of Antigua and Barbuda

 Nakita Wilfred  June 29th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist Nakita Wilfred “Whenever I play pan, I would drift to this place of total bliss where she [my mother] resides and I can never help but to smile uncontrollably and feel at peace. Onlookers always inquire about my ability to smile so consistently and effortlessly but when I express to them the sheer joy I experience whenever I play, they have a better understanding.” The steelpan instrument, in this case, the Tenor, is like oxygen for her. Pan is Nakita Wilfred; Nakita Wilfred is Pan. And that pretty much tells the story right there. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Nakita “Empress Sadé” Wilfred explains why Pan is the joy of her life, and in addition shares her feelings, experiences, and insight into the Steelband music art form and more. See Interview Related content: Meet Nakita Wilfred - Barbados

    Chantal Esdelle June 25th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Chantal Esdelle In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - the panist, ethnomusicologist, musician composer, arranger and educator 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 Interview Related content:   Chantal Esdelle and Moyenne: HAITI See more breaking news

  Colette Modeste Birthday - June 27th Colette Modeste Women In Steel in Antigua, with the late legendary arranger Dr. Jit Samaroo (striped top) - Colette Modeste is second to Samaroo's left Colette Modeste, at right Related content: Educator & Panist Colette Modeste has passed Women In Steel Set to Represent New York at the 2004 edition of The World Steelband Music Festival Women in Steel -- bio The late Colette Modeste with Women in Steel

Deja Cain June 26th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Deja Cain    Currently, Deja is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts with a specialization in Music at the University of Trinidad and Tobago hoping one day to become qualified in her craft... See Bio Related content: Meet Deja Cain of Trinidad & Tobago - Steelpan Performing Artist   September by Earth, Wind and Fire (Steelpan Cover) performed by Deja Cain See more breaking news

Dejean Cain  June 26th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Dejean Cain    Currently, Dejean is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts with a specialization in Music at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. See Bio Related content: Meet Dejean Cain of Trinidad & Tobago - Steelpan Performing Artist   Dejean Cain  See more breaking news

Khan Cordice June 26th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist Khan Cordice Even at a younger age, Khan’s talent was set in stone, when as a mere teenager he surpassed veteran musicians in the field of arranging in the  Moods of Pan  festival in his country back in 2008,  triumphing that night .  Months later he proceeded to repeat his winning ways and garner more accolades in the even larger annual steelband music competition known as ‘Panorama.’ Now, with the formalities (music degrees) under his belt, and an even wider worldview of music at his command, a humble but quietly confident Khan Cordice is set to change the world - one initiative, and one student at a time in his country, sharing his knowledge and experience. At the same time, his evolution as an artist and musician extraordinaire maintains, unfolding, one note at a time. Here is his story - to date… in WST’s live interview.      Related content: Meet Khan Cordice - Director, Educator, Per

Saturday June 25 is set aside for the Youth themed “WeTalent Showcase” to raise awareness of the potential of young people. This event hosted by the St. James Committee Improvement Committee in conjunction with Kathleen Howell & Team organized and created the “Showcase” for the youths. Venue for the WeTalent Showcase is the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, St. James. Showtime is 5:30pm with a contribution of $100. Multidisciplinary and broad, the program is a mix of professional young and upcoming artistes in Dance, Drama. Song, Spoken Word and Art. Added attraction is a Fashion Show by local designers and UTT students. The full program of events include Hadiya Phillips ( Spoken Word), Raizing Star and Abbigail (Reggae and Soca), Jameelah Too Phillips ( Dance), Making, Curious Ringo, and Oba Dread, Jr Soy among others. Students under Makemba Kunle and Creation of Minds Performance and Scholastic Centre under the directorship of Makini Akini Nottingham will also disp

Jade Vargas June 23rd When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Jade Vargas   Related content: A Moment in Pan - BSO’s Kern Simon presented Erica’s daughter Jade Vargas with a commemorative plaque   Jade Vargas with D'Radoes Steel Orchestra

Giselle Desir June 23rd When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Giselle Desir   “It’s just such an amazing instrument to say you know how to play....I feel like the community doesn’t welcome steel pan....The community needs to be more understanding and welcoming to the culture of Steel Pan.” -- Giselle Desir Pan brings much joy into her life, and she wishes it would do the same for others. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist, performing artist and dancer Giselle Desir shares her passion for Pan and the steelpan art form overall. See Interview Related content: Meet Giselle Desir - Brooklyn, New York >  Giselle Desir with Cross

Gregory Boyd  June 23rd Gregory Boyd is good, real good. Furthermore, he is on the cutting edge. Originally from Louisiana, USA, and now hailing from Denmark, this artist is like no other who has graced the steelpan music instrument. The soulfulness of his vocals, clarity of thought in his lyrics and unorthodox, non-traditional approach to implementing and voicing the steelpan instrument with deft chops - puts Boyd in a whole other category. With the genius and aloofness of Monk, blended with the soulfulness of an Al Green, coupled with the musical presence of a Jimi Hendrix, Boyd can jazz, funk and ring in the blues, and have you shaking your head as you come to the realization he cannot be pigeon-holed. New York, USA -  In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, singer and steelpanist, Gregory Boyd - a product of his rich musical heritage and history - takes us through his unusual journey with the ste

Time: June 24, 2022 at 8pm to June 25, 2022 at 2am Location: Valencias Eventspace Street: 5407 Flatlands Avenue City/Town: Brooklyn, NY 11234 About this event UNISON STEEL PRESENTS Miami Vibes: A Pan Lime FEATURING Live Steel Pan Music: Unison Steel DJ: Selector Hulk Specialty Drinks - Vibes - Music Miami attire encouraged; Prizes for best dressed!

  Franklin Mayers June 22th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Franklin Mayers  Ellie Mannette with Franklin Mayers of ADLIB Steel Orchestra Manager – Franklin Mayers In August of 1989, a group of Caribbean-Americans came together with a vision to promote the musical and cultural education, as well as the overall well being of the youths in the community. Jackson and Harry Headley, Neville Gaskin, Fitz Worrell, and Tony Alverez pooled their resources and their knowledge to form the ADLIB Steel Orchestra. Using handcrafted instruments, a few players and a dedicated musical arranger, the band began to take its first steps toward what would become a full-fledged cultural and educational organization. Continuing with its focus on th

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Calypso takes centre stage at the WeBe at St. James Live 22… We Back Festival on Friday June 24 at the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, St. James. With Scrunter, Superblue, Johnny King, Funny, Bally, Trinidad Rio and David Bereaux on guitar, the evening promises a melodic trip down memory lane. Music accompaniment is provided by Vincent Rivers & The Soca Unit. Showtime is 8:00 p.m. Advance tickets priced at TT $150. are being sold at Crosby’s St. James, Marts Liquor Palace, 40 Diego Martin Main Road , and at the venue on the day of the show. This year the Committee celebrates Martin Davy Boodoosingh.   The celebration continues on Sunday 26 with Steelpan Explosion – The Concert featuring some of the big names in the line-up.  Featured steel orchestras are Supernovas, Couva Joylanders, Phase II Pan Groove, Invaders, Starlift, Power Stars and St. James Tripolians.  African Drummers, St. James Artisans, will make a guest appearance. Startin

Alexis Schloss June 20th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Alexis Schloss    Multi-talented, multi-disciplined and focused. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist, model, choreographer and college student Alexis Schloss shares her reflections, experiences and views on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall. See Interview Related content: Meet Alexis Schloss - Brooklyn, New York   Alexis Schloss with Pan in Motion

Danielle Edinboro  June 18th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Danielle Edinboro  She says accent the positives. “We just all have to support each other and leave the jaded pessimist views alone and adopt an effective one.” Danielle Edinboro   Well mature beyond her years - Danielle Edinboro represents the next generation of panists in New York. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, Danielle Edinboro of Brooklyn, USA speaks on her introduction to the steelpan art form, the challenge and advancing forward. See Interview Related content: Meet Danielle Edinboro of Brooklyn, New York   Danielle Edinbo

Wayne “Bumpy” Inniss at New York J’Ouvert Wayne “Bumpy” Inniss with Despers USA The late Captain of Despers USA on Bass Related content: WST extends condolences... 2018 New York Panorama Champion - Despers USA Steel Orchestra - “Year For Love” - video Solo Harmonites Steel Orchestra steel pan music veterans -   Wayne “Bumpy” Inniss is fifth from right.

Darius Austin June 17th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Darius Austin “I am Darius Austin, a 24-year-old Guyanese who has a passion for the Steelpan art form. My pan life started in 2012 when I joined the Panwave Steelpan Academy which is a youth band that focuses on teaching the instrument to schools in their area. I later went on to join their Senior band, The Parkside Steel Orchestra, of which I am still a member.” Darius Austin Darius Austin is a member of the National Steel Orchestra. He is also the Guyana Panorama Steelpan Competition 2022 Senior Solo Champion See profile Related content:

  Solange Baptiste June 17th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Solange Baptiste “My love for music and the instrument keeps me going, together with the adrenaline rush and new upcoming challenges which a Panorama piece produces; while performing with fellow band members on the ‘Big Savannah stage.’”  Solange Baptiste She is brilliant, immensely talented, has a positive outlook and full of confidence. And don’t be surprised if this panist/pilot is the airline captain flying the aircraft that you are on in the very near future. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Solange Baptiste shares her feelings, experiences, and insight into the Steelband music art form and more. See Interview Related content: Meet Solange Baptiste - Trinidad & Tobago

  Jeffrey Santana June 16th When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist  Jeffrey Santana Related content: Jeffrey Santana - at Pan Is Sweet

  Starlift x Block 2000 x Kingsley Hero Sion Hill Euphonium X Sion Hill X Tillal Symphonix X Questelles X Jomo South East X Stubbs X Zoops EPIC Sounds X Calliaqua X JP Elite X Kingstown X Taffa  Genesis X Largo Height X Larno Who yuh representing? Which area yuh coming from? Vincy Stand Up JULY 3rd, Victoria Park Relevant content The Story of Steelbands and the Steelband Art Form in St. Vincent - UpClose! St. Vincent Panorama results Steel Orchestras of St. Vincent

Pamberi presents "Labour & Steel 4" Time:  June 19, 2022  from 7pm to 11:45pm Location:  Pamberi Panyard City/Town:  Santa Cruz Old Road, San Juan Event Type:  concert Organized By: Pamberi Steel Orchestra A Fantastic event with top class performances. Trinidad All Stars Fonclaire Curepe Scherzando Pan Elites Pamberi Admission: TT $60.00 MAKE IT A DATE!! #pamberisteelorchestra   #labour &steel #2022   #liveentertainment   #Goodness