The Heartbeat of Panorama: A Grand
Semi-Finals at the Queen’s Park Savannah
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The echoes of steelpan magic filled the Queen’s
Park Savannah on Sunday, February 16, 2025, as the Panorama Medium Conventional
Bands Semi-Finals unfolded in all its grandeur. It was a night of unmatched
musical brilliance, a spectacle that left the audience in awe and solidified
the steelpan's place as the heartbeat of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture. The
theme for this year's Panorama, “Steelpan Fuh So—Unleash D Power,” was
not just a slogan; it was a declaration. It was a call to arms for every
pannist, every arranger, and every supporter to bring their all, to let the
music take flight, and to remind the world why steelpan remains one of the
greatest musical creations of all time.
From the moment the first note rang out, an
electrifying wave of anticipation swept through the thousands gathered. The
atmosphere was charged with excitement, and every note played was met with
roaring cheers from the passionate crowd. Pan lovers from all walks of
life—young and old, locals and visitors—descended upon the Savannah, eager to
witness the magic of steelpan artistry at its finest. Pan Trinbago
extends heartfelt congratulations to all participating bands and gratitude to
the dedicated supporters and sponsors whose energy and unwavering love for the instrument
continue to push this art form to new heights.
A Spectacle of Steel
and Soul
With an awe-inspiring turnout of over 28,000
spectators, this year's semi-finals was an undeniable testament to the
steelpan’s power to unite and mesmerize. The theme “Steelpan Fuh
So—Unleash D Power” was embodied in every performance, every note, and
every heartbeat within the Savannah. The energy was contagious, the crowd
invigorated, and the musicians unstoppable. From the pulsating energy of the
North Stand to the enthusiastic cheers of the Grand Stand, the Savannah was a
sea of movement and sound. Fans waved flags, danced in the aisles, and erupted
in joyous celebration at every mesmerizing performance.
The numbers tell an incredible story:
- North
Stand: 5,100 passionate pan lovers swaying to
the beats, raising their cups, and singing along to every tune.
- Grand
Stand: 4,100 devoted fans hanging on every
note, their expressions painted with pure admiration.
- Drag
West: A staggering 13,000 revelers, some
standing on tiptoes just to get a glimpse of the steelpan sorcery on
stage.
- Greens: 4,100
enthusiasts enjoying the show from the most vibrant corner of the
Savannah, creating their own rhythmic dance floor.
- Off-Stage: Approximately 2,000 additional attendees, soaking in the magic from the outskirts, still feeling every pulsating beat in their bones.
Senator The Honourable Randall Mitchell- Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts himself stood in admiration of the event’s success, marveling at
the seamless organization and its significance in preserving our national
heritage. “Tonight, we’ve not just seen competition—we’ve witnessed the very
soul of Trinidad and Tobago,” he remarked, visibly moved by the crowd’s
enthusiasm.
Machel Montano Joins
the Celebration—A Musical Fusion
As if the night couldn’t get any more electrifying,
soca icon Machel Montano made a surprise appearance,
performing alongside three bands that are performing his hit song “Bet
Meh.”
The legendary performer joined Heritage
Siparia Deltones, Massy Trinidad All Stars, and bp Renegades, adding an
extra layer of excitement to the already electric atmosphere. As he became the
'Flag Man' and represented these bands, the Savannah erupted in ecstatic
cheers. It was a moment of pure fusion—and it created performances that will be
talked about for years to come.
“Machel is a master of energy,” said pan
enthusiast Karen Samuel, “but watching him support a steel
orchestra like Renegades? That’s a whole other level of power! The entire
Savannah was shaking!”
Voice Shows Support
for Exodus
Adding to the night’s excitement, another soca
superstar, Voice (Aaron St. Louis), came out to show his unwavering
support for Exodus Steel Orchestra, who dominated both the
Preliminaries and the Semi-Finals. The band performed Voice’s very own
hit, “Too Own Way”, an arrangement that captivated the crowd and solidified
their place at the top. The synergy between the band and Voice’s music was
nothing short of magical, with fans singing along passionately as the sweet
sound of steel elevated the song to new heights.
“It’s incredible to see an artist of Voice’s
caliber supporting the steelpan movement like this,” said pan lover Andre
Baptiste. “Exodus played with so much heart, and you could feel the love
for the music in every note.”
Every band brought forth something special, their
arrangements crafted with skill, passion, and precision. The theme of “Unleash
D Power” resonated as the bands gave performances that could only be
described as explosive.
In the Medium bands category, when Katzenjammers left the stage,
the crowd erupted. Their delivery was powerful, the execution precise, and the
arrangement nothing short of breathtaking. Every note told a story, every
crescendo lifted the audience higher into a realm of musical euphoria. NGC La Brea Nightingales followed
with an arrangement so intricate and dynamic that even seasoned pan lovers were
left speechless. The level of showmanship was extraordinary.
Attendee Lisa Roberts, a long-time
Panorama supporter, could hardly contain her excitement: “This is the best
semi-finals I’ve ever attended! The energy, the music, the vibes—everything was
perfect! I don’t know how the judges will choose because every band played
their heart out.”
Even first-time visitor John Michaels,
a tourist from the UK, was spellbound. “I’ve never experienced anything like
this. The energy is unreal. The way the crowd connects with the bands—it’s
something truly magical. I’m definitely coming back for the finals!”
Large Conventional Bands Ignite the Stage
The Large Conventional Bands category delivered an
unforgettable night of breathtaking performances, each band raising the bar
higher and higher.
Invaders Steel Orchestra had the honor of opening the category, performing a 2025 composition, “Blessings”
by Blacka Dan. Their fresh and innovative arrangement set the tone for an
electrifying segment of the competition.
bp Renegades played in position seven (7) with a
masterful arrangement by the celebrated Duvone Stewart, delivering a
show-stopping performance of “Bet Meh.” The crowd erupted in cheers as
the reigning champions made it clear why they are in the running for a historic
three-peat victory.
Republic Bank Exodus gave a stunning rendition of Voice’s “Long Way,” leaving the
audience in awe. Their precision, synchronization, and sheer passion were
evident in every note.
Not to be outdone, First Citizens Supernovas
brought the energy levels to a fever pitch with their rendition of Kes’
“Cocoa Tea.” Their dynamic performance had the crowd on their feet, dancing
and cheering in appreciation of the vibrant and infectious arrangement.
Two Bands Chase
History—A Hat-Trick in Sight
As the competition heats up, two bands are
now on the verge of making history with a three-peat victory.
- Katzenjammers, in
the Medium Band Category, is aiming for their third
consecutive championship title.
- bp
Renegades, in the Large Band Category, is
also on the brink of securing their third straight win, cementing their
dominance in the steelpan world.
“This is a defining moment for these bands,” said
veteran pan analyst Roger Williams. “A hat-trick in Panorama is no
easy feat. It speaks to consistency, excellence, and the ability to evolve year
after year.”
Anticipation Builds
for the Grand Finals—Power Beyond Measure
With the Semi-Finals setting an unprecedented standard, the countdown to
the National Panorama Finals has begun! The Medium Bands Finals
will take place on Sunday, February 23, 2025, while the Large Bands
Finals are set for Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Two nights, two categories, two stages, and an explosion of music that
will shake the very foundations of the Queen’s Park Savannah! The battle lines
are drawn, and the bands are fine-tuning their final notes in preparation for
the most intense steelpan showdown of the year. The Medium Band category promises a night of tight competition, as each orchestra brings their absolute
best in pursuit of the coveted title. The Medium Bands Finals will take place on Sunday February 23, 2025 at the Parade Grounds, Bacolet, Tobago. Meanwhile, the Large Band category
will see titans clash as bp Renegades chases a historic three-peat and other steel
giants fight to claim their place in Panorama history. The Large bands Finals will take place on Saturday March 1, 2025 and the Queens Park Savannah.
Who will rise to claim the ultimate crown? Which band will etch their
name in the annals of history? One thing is certain—steelpan lovers will
witness a night of musical brilliance unlike any other.
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Pan Trinbago invites all pan lovers to be a part of this historic moment.
Secure your tickets, bring your energy, and prepare to be blown
away! The Savannah will come alive with the spirit of steelpan, and you won’t
want to miss a single second of the action. This is more than a
competition—it’s a celebration of who we are. See you at the Finals!
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