OK folks. There have been a lot of discussion about returning the steelband to the more active role in the carnival parade , and this discussion has usually degenerated into a argument over the difficulty of achieving mobility for the Steelband , "pushing pan", and a belief expressed by some that trying to replicate Steelband … Continue reading Steelbands : From the Streets to the Concert Hall
Category: Trinidad and Tobago Culture – Steelpan and Calypso
Making T&T the true Mecca for the steel pan and its art-form
One of my biggest disagreements with pan people , is based on different perceptions of the art-form , and its role in culture and society. From the beginning , some has seen the steel-pan and everything related to it , including the players, as commodities to be developed, with the idea of exporting them to … Continue reading Making T&T the true Mecca for the steel pan and its art-form
Some thoughts on Panorama and Steelband Progress in T&T
Ok my friends , I would like to take a moment for clarification, and to share my thoughts about panorama as it relates to Steelband progress. I love panorama , have loved it from the beginning , and even participated as a player in the early years. But over my lifetime , I’ve seen panorama … Continue reading Some thoughts on Panorama and Steelband Progress in T&T
Pan on the Move – the mobile steel-band
It is a joy to see steel-band activities such as Pan on D'Avenue (Woodbrook) and the Laventille Steel-band parade, that attempt to present the beauty and power of the mobile steel-band. The more relaxed pace of the music , also reminds us that the steel-band has its own musical groove , and doesn't really have … Continue reading Pan on the Move – the mobile steel-band
Some thoughts on the Pan Trinbago controversies…..
Saturday, May 19, 2018 I've been trying to follow the controversies surrounding the current leadership of Pan Trinbago from afar and , though I have my personal thoughts , I do not have enough factual information on the issues affecting the steelband community , and so I have refrained from voicing strong opinions , … Continue reading Some thoughts on the Pan Trinbago controversies…..
Why is Pan Trinbago a “Corporation” ?
·Friday, April 20, 2018 Someone asked a question regarding the naming of Pan Trinbago as an organization , and it set me thinking. Why is Pan Trinbago a “Corporation” ? Was incorporation in the best interest of its members ? According to Pan Trinbago (their website) their Mandate is the following : "Pan Trinbago … Continue reading Why is Pan Trinbago a “Corporation” ?
Steelband “pandemonium “ is about all of us as Trinis, not just about pan people.
Tuesday June 5 , 2019 The mistake we are making , my friends is assuming that the problems facing the steelbands of T&T are pan people’s problems , but they are much more than that. The problems are societal , and about national identity , culture ,vision and even more. Trinidadians have not yet recognized … Continue reading Steelband “pandemonium “ is about all of us as Trinis, not just about pan people.
The plight of the elderly calypsonian
Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Calypsonian Crazy ( Edwin Ayoung) has brought up the issue of ageing and elderly calypsoniansin ( like DeFosto , for example) in T&T who struggle with their health and the ability to support themselves financially. The calypso art-form is not particularly lucrative these days , and except for … Continue reading The plight of the elderly calypsonian
Pan people must “fix” Pan Trinbago , not wait for the government or courts to do it for them.
I hate to say this guys , but while steelband issues should be of concern to the entire nation of T&T , Pan Trinbago issues are for Pan people to solve. And we have no choice . Pan Trinbago is a private corporation , albeit mostly funded by tax payers, that was created by pan … Continue reading Pan people must “fix” Pan Trinbago , not wait for the government or courts to do it for them.
How pan people gave away their (potential ) political power….
I once heard a quote to the effect that those who don't make plans are always surprised by those who do , especially by those who plan for the long term . It occurred to me that someone far wiser than me realized the political danger of an uncontrolled steelband movement , and thought it … Continue reading How pan people gave away their (potential ) political power….
G R JOSEPH 