Pan Trinbago Inc. T.C. extends congratulations to Aldwyn “Kitchener” Roberts, Winsford “Joker” DeVine, and Andrew “Supie” Marcano on their receiving honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and the University of the West Indies respectively.

The three (3) recipients have made sterling contributions to the steelpan movement and the nation on the whole through their music compositions.

Drs. Roberts (posthumously) (UTT) , Marcano and DeVine (UWI) were among twelve (12) persons who were recognised by UWI at its 2017 graduation exercise recently.

Roberts aka Lord Kitchener or the Grandmaster has to his credit a number of calypso hits spanning six decades including winning the Calypso Monarch (once) and Road March (eleven) titles.  His compositions were favoured by many steelbands as their Panorama tune of choice even up to today. Kitch gave the steelband such great hits as
Pan In A Minor”, “Pan Explosion”, “Sweet Pan”, “Pan Night And Day”, “Bees Melody” and “Iron Man” among others.

When it comes to composing calypso, the name Winston “Joker” DeVine comes to mind. For decades, he has been virtually unheralded, but as the saying goes “all good things come to those who wait”. And wait, he did. A prolific writer “Joker” has been the vanguard of calypso and soca composing for more than 40 years including his first winning tune in the 1971 Panorama competition, “Queen of the Band”, sung by the Mighty Sparrow. …. with “Somebody” sung by Baron (Timothy Watkins) played by 28 steelbands in a Panorama.

Andrew “Supie” Marcano made his debut in 1954 at the age of 16 years when he was recognized as the youngest professional calypsonian to perform locally.  A gifted musician, Supie remains a versatile artiste who is brilliant guitarist and singer. “A true calypsonain and genuine calypso lover, Supie invested his own money in the preservation of the kaiso art form when he secured a broadcast license and started the first-ever all-calypso radio station.

UWI Awards are given to individuals of eminence in the arts, science amd other fields of intellectual endeavours as well as to persons who have made outstanding regional and international contribution.

Pan Trinbago recognizes these three gentlemen and their invaluable contribution.

Pan Trinbago News Desk

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  • Congratulations to the Doctors!

  •  Please don't mix up UWI with UTT

  • Absolutely nothing escapes the 'Pen' of a ''Kaisonian'', and here Ras Kommanda describes such an occasion..., ''Once again genius composer Dr Winsford Devine ably supported by Edwin Ayoung and Steve Pascall, has come up with another classic composition entitled "WAR of WORDS". This tongue in cheek calypso tells of the' lyrical war' between American President Donald Trump, and the North Korean President Kim Yung Un. With an uptempo rhythm and well executed by calypsonian Ras Kommanda this is a must listen for those of us who enjoys a good social commentary as well as a musical gem for those who just love to dance to the rhythmic vibes of the calypso beat. So whether you are a Trump or Kim supporter its all up to you.

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