Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband Music Festival: A Storied History

 

The History of the Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband Music Festival - Pan is Beautiful

The "Pan is Beautiful" festival, a revered event in Trinidad and Tobago's cultural calendar, has a storied history that reflects the evolution and significance of the steelpan. From its inception in 1952 to its modern-day iterations, the festival has been a testament to the skill, creativity, and resilience of the island’s pan musicians.

Early Beginnings: Overcoming Resistance

The roots of the festival date back to 1952 when the Trinidad and Tobago Music Association reluctantly included a Steelband category in the National Music Festival. The inclusion faced strong opposition, primarily because the Association was skeptical about the Steelband’s’ ability to perform classical music. Despite these challenges, the Steelband’s persevered, and the inaugural competition was held on March 11, 1952, at the Roxy Cinema in Woodbrook, Port-of-Spain.

The Point Cumana Boys Town Steel Orchestra, led by Clem Bellerand, emerged victorious in this first festival, performing the test piece "Under The Marabella Bridge" and their tune of choice, "You Are My Heart's Delight." This marked the beginning of a new era for steelpan music, highlighting the instrument's versatility and the musicians' talent.

The 1950s: Establishing a Tradition

Throughout the 1950s, the festival continued sporadically, gaining momentum and recognition. The increased number of participants and the high standard of performances demanded that the festival be staged independently from the National Music Festival. This period was marked by intense rivalry among soloists, including notable pannists such as Kelvin Hart, Patsy Haynes, Theo Stephens, Sonny Roach, Belgrave Bonaparte, Emmanuel "Cobo Jack" Riley, and Chic "McGroo" Springer.

A Defining Moment: The 1959 Festival

The 1959 festival, held in 1960, was a landmark event in the history of steelpan music. Dixieland Steel Orchestra, led by Curtis Pierre, won with a remarkable interpretation of "Agnus Dei," narrowly defeating the Ellie Mannette-led Invaders Steel Orchestra, who performed "In a Monastery Garden" arranged by Jocelyn Pierre. This competition showcased the high level of musicianship and the artistic potential of steelpan music.

The Biennial Festival: 1962 and Beyond

In 1962, the Biennial Steelband Music Festival was established as an independent entity, providing a dedicated platform for Steelband’s to display their talents. This format allowed the festival to attract significant international attention, with performances that highlighted the versatility of the steelpan.

International Expansion: The World Steelband Music Festival

The international interest in the steelpan led to the first World Steelband Music Festival in 1988, featuring participants from Venezuela, Guyana, and Sweden. Witco Desperadoes won this inaugural event, reinforcing the global appeal and competitive spirit of the festival. The second edition in 2000 saw broader participation from countries like the United States, England, Sweden, Finland, France, Switzerland, Grenada, and St. Lucia.

Notable Moments and Winners

1966: Pan Am North Stars won with an outstanding performance of "Intermezzo In E," showcasing their artistic prowess.

1973: The festival introduced categories for large, medium, and small bands, with Nutones, Blue Diamonds, and Samaroo Jets winning their respective categories.

1980: The festival was rebranded as "Pan Is Beautiful," supported by the Kirpalani Group. Iscott Casablanca, re-emerging after a period of dormancy, won the competition.

1986: Witco Desperadoes won the festival, marking their return after a 19-year absence and beating strong contenders like Trinidad All Stars and Phase II Pan Groove.

1988: The first World Steelband Music Festival was won by Witco Desperadoes, with Amoco Renegades and Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars securing second and third places, respectively.

1992: Witco Desperadoes, completed their hat trick winning the festival with an historic rendition of "Bartered Bride" by Smetana.

1998: Exodus and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force tied for the top spot, highlighting the fierce competition and high standards of the festival.

2000: TCL Skiffle Bunch won the World Steelband Music Festival, solidifying their place in the festival's history.

2008: Exodus continued their dominance, winning the festival once again.

2013: The Codrington Pan Family displayed skills and talent winning the esteemed title.

Honour Roll: Festival Champions

• 1952: Boys Town
• 1954: Southern All Stars
• 1956: Katzenjammers (Port-of-Spain)
• 1960: Dixieland
• 1962: Pan Am North Stars
• 1964: BWIA Sun Jets
• 1966: Pan Am North Stars
• 1968: Trinidad All Stars
• 1972: Trinidad All Stars
• 1973: Nutones
• 1980: Catelli Trinidad All Stars
• 1982: I-scott Casablanca
• 1984: Catelli Trinidad All Stars
• 1986: Witco Desperadoes
• 1988 (World): Witco Desperadoes
• 1992: Witco Desperadoes
• 1994: Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars
• 1996: Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars
• 1998: Exodus and Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (tie)
• 2000 (World): TCL Skiffle Bunch
• 2002: Exodus
• 2005 (World): Exodus
• 2008: Exodus
• 2013: The Codrington Pan Family

 

Reviving the Festival: Steelpan is More Beautiful 2024

Under the leadership of Beverley Ramsey-Moore, Pan Trinbago has revived the festival as "Steelpan is More Beautiful 2024." The upcoming Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband Music Festival is being held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. The Honourable Keith Rowley. This year’s festival will feature three finals in different categories: Single pan, Ensemble, and Orchestra. The competition's theme, "Canopeum Amoris – A Canopy of Love," celebrates the enduring romance between pan enthusiasts and the instrument’s melodies.

Conclusion

The "Pan is Beautiful" festival is more than just a music competition; it is a celebration of the ingenuity, talent, and cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. From its humble beginnings in 1952 to its modern-day resurgence, the festival has played a pivotal role in the development and global recognition of steelpan music. As "Steelpan is More Beautiful 2024" approaches, we look forward to witnessing the next chapter in this extraordinary journey.

For more information on the upcoming festival and how you can be part of this historic celebration, visit our website or follow us on social media. Join us as we continue to celebrate the unmatched beauty of the steelpan and the vibrant culture of Trinidad and Tobago.