Steelpan Music News - History and Culture

When Steel Talks extends New Year’s greetings to all.

Pele with Mom and Dad Pele's violent encounters on the soccer field Pele and Mom Pele and Dad Pele’s mom (Celeste Arantes) is still alive. In 2022 she celebrated her 100th birthday. Pele's dad passed away in 1996 in Santos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.   Pele's dad, Dondinho (João Ramos do Nascimento) was a well-known Brazilian soccer player who played as a center-forward

  Happy Birthday to  Garvin Blake - December 30 When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to writer, panist, composer, arranger and performing artist  Garvin Blake . Leave message & greetings Just Listen!

Black Stalin Dr. Leroy Calliste fondly known as Black Stalin, passed today 28th December, 2022 Dr. Leroy Calliste was on born on the 24 September 1941 and raised on Coffee Street in San Fernando to George and Elcina Calliste. One of four children, he attended San Fernando Boys' R.C. School. He worked as a limbo dancer before taking up singing calypso in 1959 when he made his debut at the Good Shepherd Hall in St. Madeleine, but did not join a calypso tent until 1962 when he joined the Southern Brigade. He was given the nickname Black Stalin by fellow calypsonian Blakie in the mid-1960s. In 1967 Black Stalin joined Kitchener's Calypso Revue tent and managed to place in that year's Calypso Monarch competition. Stalin was popularly called the People’s Calypsonian. He was known for his militant Rastafarian and black nationalist lyrics. Stalin won the Calypso Monarch competition for the first time in 1979 (with "Caribbean Man" and "Play One") and went on to

  When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to the legendary  Emmanuel “Jack” Riley  - Master Panist, Steelpan Tuner & Builder December 25 An inclusive interview with the legendary steelpan soloist and tuner - Emmanuel "Jack" Riley he shares his experiences and memories on his illustrious career As an integral member of the steelband culture and movement, Jack Riley wears at least three hats. Jack is a great improvisational steelpan player and renowned soloist. Having received accolades as a creator of and performer on the steelpan, he has the unique distinction of one who can truly be hailed as the "Master" of the Steelpan instrument. Relevant content Members of the National Steelband which performed at Expo '67 in Montreal Canada Ellie Mannette with long-time fellow Invaders bandmate, Emmanuel "Jack" Riley

  Eruption Steel Orchestra - Christmas Pan Past, Pan Present and Pan Future New York, USA - Under the musical direction of educator and arranger Damany “BoB” James - Eruption Steel Orchestra presented “Deck the Halls,” a Christmas-themed showcase for the school’s student steel orchestras. They played to a packed audience who braved the very chilly weather and, furthermore, thoroughly enjoyed the performances. Quality concert fare from the likes of Unison Steel and Victory Music & Dance Company took center stage in the first half of the program. Student performers showed off their talents to the delight of proud and supportive family, friends, cheering fellow students and members of the community who were in attendance. The display of talent continued in the second half, with Meyer Levin’s 7th grade, 8th grade and advanced level steel orchestras, the Eruption Quintet and also the Eruption Steel Orchestra. A series of holiday favorites including such as Silent Night, Dance of the S

When Steel Talks extends condolences to the family and friends of  Rosanna Toney on the passing of her father former Sun Valley Steel Orchestra and North Stars Steel Orchestra panman Mr. Boya Randoo. Louis "Boya" Randoo & Friends

 The year (2022) in Pan Review and more... Alliison Hinds Alliison Hinds - "Queen of Soca" with the Barbados National Youth Steel Orchestra for Crop Over 2022 Alison Amanda Hinds is a British-born Bajan soca artist based in Barbados. She is one of the most popular soca singers in the world and has been given the nickname the "Queen of Soca". https://youtu.be/My6e03bxPPE #2022InReview #steelpanmusic #pandemonium #CropOver2022

Mathieu Borgne Global -  From twenty-four, to twenty, to ten steelpan final night artists. And then there was one. PanoGrama 2022 champion Mathieu Borgne from France copped first place, ultimately besting his twenty-three co-competitors. Borgne afforded the audience and judges a unique interpretation of  Donna Lee  by Charlie Parker on his double seconds. Borgne’s prize takeaway includes USD $1,000.00, a trip to the Bahamas courtesy that country’s Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, a Perfect Steel-branded tenor pan, and a private session with a world-renowned steel panist. see more, get results

 

Saint Kitts and Nevis, W.I. - Sugar Mas - Groovy and Power Soca Monarch Competition - Saint Kitts and Nevis - Live Stream

Premiered Apr 14, 2022  Kes ft. J Perry - Liki Tiki (prod. by Michael Brun & Dwala) [Official Music Video] The official music video for the single 'Liki Tiki' by Kes featuring J Perry and produced by Michael Brun & Dwala.

When Steel Talks extends condolences to Jamal Gibbs on the passing of his mother.

The top thirty (30) are moving on to the semi-finals, slated for January 7, 2023. Click the image below, or this link for full results and more in the preliminary phase of competition for Small conventional steel orchestras. Related content: Participants for 2023 Small Conventional Steel Orchestra Competition  - Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama QUICK CHART COMPLETE  - Bands, Tunes, Arrangers, Bios

 Today is the birthday of the late great legendary Cicely Tyson. When Steel Talks covered the renaming of the Harlem block she lived on in her honor. CASYM Steel Orchestra performed at the event. https://www.panonthenet.com/news/2022/sep/destination-spanish-harlem-new-york-city-street-co-named-for-the-legendary-cicely-tyson-casym-steel-orchestra-performs-9-17-2022.htm #theyearinreview #SteelpanMusicExcellence #CicelyTyson

1963 - Mighty Sparrow - Dan Is The Man (In The Van) 1964 - Lord Kitchener - Mama Dis Is Mas 1965 - Lord Melody - Melody Mas 1966 - Mighty Sparrow - Obeah Wedding 1967 - Lord Kitchener - Sixty Seven 1968 - Lord Kitchener - Wrecker 1969 - Lord Kitchener - The Bull ---------------------------------------------------------- See complete list

‘ Pan By Storm ’ sung by “Keith “Designer” Prescott written by  Ken “Professor” Philmore 2023: Tune of choice  |   Musical Gems Steel Orchestra  -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2023 2019: Tune of choice  |  Arima Golden Symphony   -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2019

Dexter “Blaxx” Stewart “Gyal Owner” sung by “Blaxx” composed by J. John, D. Stewart & J. James click for lyrics, picture, bio... 2023 Tune of choice:    West Stars Steel Orchestra   |   Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2019 Tune of choice:   Pamberi Steel Orchestra   |  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama

‘This Melody Sweet’ sung by “Baron”  2023: Tune of choice  |   Arima Golden Symphony  -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2023 2015: Tune of choice   |   Power Stars Steel Orchestra  -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2015

Very few women have arranged for large steel orchestras in the Trinidad and Tobago National Panorama. In 1972 Merle Albino-de Coteau arranged for Chase Manhattan Savoy and Geraldine Connor arranged for Invaders Steel Orchestra in 1983. Shenelle Abraham arranged for Skiffle in 2012, Mia Gormandy-Benjamin arranged for birdsong Steel Orchestra in 2017 and Jeannine Remy, for Hatters Steel Orchestra starting in 2005. Vanessa Headley arranged for La Brea Nightingales in 2020. Now Keisha Codrington joins this illustrious group as arranger for Antillean All Stars Steel Orchestra. See more related information

‘ Long Live Soca ’ sung by “Voice”  2023: Tune of choice | Antillean All Stars  - Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2023: Tune of choice  |  Desperadoes  -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2023: Tune of choice  |  Redemption Sound Setters  -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2023: Tune of choice  |  Fonclaire  -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2023: Tune of choice  |  Pan-Demonium Steel Orchestra   -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2023: Tune of choice  |   Despers USA Steel Orchestra  -  New York Panorama 2023 2023: Tune of choice  |   Mangrove Steelband  -  Uk Panorama 2023

  EBJ Harmonics Steel Orchestra wins Panorama championship EBJ Harmonics Steel Orchestra, the SugarMa51 Panorama Champions! Here are the results: WINNER: 259 Points Island Flavours EBJ Harmonics Steel Orchestra King Short Shirt - No Body Go Run Me 1st Runner-up: 239 Points Young Vibrations Steel Orchestra King Konris - Jumping Up Again 2nd Runner-up: 226 points Poinciana Rhythmz Steel Orchestra Kes - Savannah Grass 3rd Runner-Up: 219 Points Oualie Rhythms Steel Orchestra Voice - Out and Bad The Panorama title was worth 15,000 EC dollars  The Panorama Criteria The Arrangement – 40 points General Performance - 40 points Tone - 10 points Rhythm - 10 points TOTAL - 100 points Watch event stream

Calypsonian great Singing Francine has passed. Singing Francine Release from Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) TUCO mourns the passing of Francine Edwards known in the calypso word as "Singing Francine" who passed away early this morning, 16th December, 2022. Singing Francine was born in Barbados on February 13th 1943 and came to Trinidad at a young age. When asked how she began singing calypso, she responded, “I never became involved in the calypso art form. I was born into the calypso art form.”   Throughout her career, she has used her musical talent to address social issues, particularly those directly affecting women. In 1975, she sang “A Call to Women,” encouraging more women to use calypso music as a vehicle of self-expression. In her 1978 calypso “Runaway,” she addressed the topic of domestic violence, urging women in abusive living situations to seek help. Singing Francine was one of the most successful calypsonians in Trinidad and Tobago, winning th

‘ Far From Finished ’ sung by “Voice” 2023: Tune of choice  |   Bethesda/Plymouth Steel Sensations  -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2017: Tune of choice  |   Arima Angel Harps  -  Trinidad & Tobago

Yoshihiro Harada When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to master musician  Yoshihiro Harada . He is the arranger of Japan's Panorama Steel Orchestra. Japan -  On why has the pan risen with such great popularity in Japan, Yoshihiro Harada says: "The first reason is the charming sound of the instrument. It is a very fresh sound in Japan. The second reason is that we can practice and play with many people. Professionals and beginners can play together. I think these are common reasons. Also - and this is interesting - sometimes with elderly Japanese people the soft sound of a pan can evoke memories and draw them to tears. I can understand that feeling....” That was very degrading and something that lived with me for a long time. - ------ Yoshihiro Harada Relevant content Meet Yoshihiro Harada - Explorer, Pioneer, Panist, Composer, Arranger, Educator, Recording Artist and Band leader - UpClose!

When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience   Brooklyn J’Ouvert Click for 1st Slide Show Related content: New York 2022 J’Ouvert - RESULTS

2023 Tune of choice:   “ Mash Up ”  | arranger:   Koreece Graham Steel Sensation  2023 Tune of choice:   “ Far From Finished  ”   | arranger:   Kymani Sandy Tobago PanThers 2023 Tune of choice:   “ Get Up And Dance ”   |  arranger:   Michael Toby New Eastside Dimension 2023 Tune of choice:  “ I Love Being Me ”   |  arranger:   Kersh Ramsey Relevant content Tobago Small Conventional Steel Orchestra Preliminaries - Panyard Judging - Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama 2023

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Panorama season 2023 is underway in this twin-island nation. Following are the participants in the preliminary phase of the Panorama competition for Small conventional steel orchestras. Uptown Fascinators with arranger Ojay Richards are the defending champions in this category. See complete list

  Past Panorama Champions Relevant content Winning Panorama Arrangers

‘ Ah Come Out To Play ’ sung by “Mighty Shadow” Single arranged by Art De Coteau. 1974 2023: Tune of choice | Potential Symphony   -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama

  Happy Birthday to  Imari Bactowal December 14th To simply say that Pan is a major part of her life would be an understatement. She is wrapped in the arms of the proverbial Pan-Jumbie - with no escape. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist and performing artist Imari Bactowal shares her reflections, experiences and views on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall. Related content Meet Imari Bactowal - Brooklyn, New York Imari Bactowal with Sonatas Steel Orchestra

National Panorama 2023 Small Band Preliminaries Day 2- South Central Region Band: Fusion Steel Tune: “By Any Means” Arranger: Darren Sheppard

Starland Steel Orchestra

‘ By Any Means ’ sung by “Voice”  2023: Tune of choice  |   Fusion Steel  -  Trinidad & Tobago Panorama

When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to master musician Pelham Goddard. He is one of the major architects of Soca music in addition to being one of the Caribbean's most celebrated musicians. Goddard's work has not been limited to the steelband, and his musical arrangements have produced the following Carnival Road March winners: 1977, "Tempo" (Calypso Rose); 1978, "Soca Jam" (Calypso Rose); 1980, "Soca Baptist" (Superblue); 1981, "Ethel" (Superblue); 1983, "Rebecca" (Superblue); 1986, "Bahia Girl" (David Rudder); 1988, "This Party Is It" (Tambu); 1989, "Free Up, Free Up (Tambu); 1990 "No No, We Ent Going Home" (Tambu); 1991, "Get Something and Wave" (Superblue); 1992, "Wine on Something" (Superblue); 1993, "Bacchanal Time" (Superblue). AWARDS: 1994 - Trinidad & Tobago Humming Bird Medal Silver (for Culture) 2002 - Sunshine Award (Arranger of the Yea

  When Steel Talks Reboot - Feel the Music - Live the Experience Sonatas Steel Orchestra - “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” | 2001 Reflections in Steel Concert Brooklyn, New York, USA -  Sonatas Steel Orchestra performed a Garvin Blake-arrangement of Bing Crosby’s “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” Listen and watch

  Amanda Lawrence President of Dominica National Pan Association Happy Birthday to  Amanda Lawrence December 10th From the Caribbean island of Dominica to the Ivy League walls of Princeton University, the pan has always been by her side. It is simply her joy. Her romance with the pan and pan culture has had a lasting global impact on those she meets on the roads she’s travelled, and those who find the steelpan “strange, amazing and beautiful.” In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, Amanda Lawrence of Dominica shares how her life revolves around the steelpan. Amanda Lawrence Related content Meet Amanda Lawrence of Dominica

Alvin Daniell Happy Birthday to Alvin Daniell - December 10 Alvin C. Daniell - Engineer, Cultural Researcher, Television Presenter, Composer and Music Producer comprise the disciplines of this individual. In the pan world he is best known for his lyrical work with some of the top pan arrangers in Trinidad and Tobago. These include Ray Holman (Pan on the Move, Pan on the Run); Len “Boogsie” Sharpe (Mind Yuh Business, Misbehave); Pelham Goddard (Parade, Play My Music, Good News, A Happy Song); Brian “Bean” Griffith (Trini Know How, Pure Party, How We Coming – 2011); Don Clarke (Can’t Get Enough, Momentum – 2011). He has also worked with Edwin Pouchet to produce several hits such as Thunder Coming, First in de Line, Battle Zone, It’s Showtime!, Gie Dem Tempo, Keshorn – The Javelin Champion, Pan is Carnival and Shock Attack. among others. See complete bio