NARISSA FRASER
GML Correspondent
Steelbands in Point Fortin and San Fernando kicked off the 2027 National Panorama single pan preliminaries on Wednesday night, performing tunes from a range of local artistes, including Black Stalin, Machel Montano and Voice.
The competition’s 2027 theme is “Bring Yuh Energy, Match D Rhythm”, and pays tribute to The Mighty Sparrow for his contribution to calypso and T&T’s musical heritage.
Jah Roots Steelband of Warden Road, Point Fortin, got things started with their rendition of Play One by Black Stalin, arranged by Jesse Lessey and members of the band.
PanTrinbago’s central executive public relations officer, Marcus Ash, brought greetings on behalf of the association’s president, Beverly Ramsey-Moore, who was unable to attend.
He praised the first band for maintaining the tradition of having the steelpans around their necks, adding: “If we don’t remember where we came from, we don’t know where we going.”
Bandleader Biko Lessey said one of their main goals was to keep that tradition going for as long as possible.
“The pans around the neck also symbolise that part of slavery (where) music (was used) to fight through all the trials and tribulations to be able to keep the music travelling,” he said. “So when I don this pan around my neck, I remember all my ancestors who had those chains around their neck, fighting for survival, and for right now I am fighting to keep the remembrance of (them).”
He said that even before the recent deaths of calypso legends The Mighty Sparrow and Brother Valentino, the band had planned to honour late music legends.
“Unfortunately, more of them have fallen this year, so we decided to play one for them.”
The judging then moved to San Fernando, continuing with Pan Professionals Steel Orchestra at the Mileage Mack compound at Union Hall. They played This Party Is It by Christopher “Tambu” Herbert, arranged by Andre Munroe.
Epic Koskeros Steel Orchestra kept the energy going at Skinner Park with Kion Robinson’s arrangement of Too Own Way by Aaron “Voice” St Louis. Supporters from the community came out to cheer, and PanTrinbago praised the band for reaching the finals earlier this year after only resuming its participation two years ago.
The vibes then moved to Pan Elders’ Carib Street panyard for LA44 Steel Orchestra’s performance. Their song of choice was Machel Montano and Patrice Roberts’ Rollin, arranged by Shaquille “Flogo” Forbes. It was almost impossible to find a parking spot outside the panyard as scores of supporters came out, and the performance even ended with a fireworks display.
Closing off the night was La Romaine Super Vibes at Fonclaire’s panyard on Dottin Street. They entertained their supporters and the judges with Cyah Behave by Voice, arranged by Darren Sheppard.
The single pan preliminaries will continue across both islands until November 12.
