Though it is an undeniable fact that all aspects of Trinidadian society have contributed in varying degrees to the development of the art-form ,race (and class ) have both negatively impacted the growth of the art-form , because of the unwillingness of all aspects of the society to embrace it , and invest in it as their own.
For example ,in spite of evidence to the contrary ,not that long ago a respected leader in the Hindu community , Mr. Sat Maharaj said in a discussion , "Africans beat pan , Indians beat book ".
(The discussion is available somewhere on You-Tube ,if anyone wishes to do a search; I saw it some time ago).
We all know this is untrue , since Trinidadians of Indian heritage have also contributed to the development of the art-form , but that is the prevailing attitude among many, and it limits the nation's ability to fully embrace and promote the art-form.
In reality I would say the development of the steelpan was more about poor urban youth in T&T , it just happened that most of the youths in the urban centers back then were of African heritage.
However , I would remind everyone that if there was a neighborhood steelband , many of the youths in the area (in the "lime" as we would say) participated regardless of class or ethnic origin , in spite of objections from parents etc.
I must also mention that these attitudes are not unique to Trinidad , there were class based objections to the growth and influence of early reggae music in Jamaica , and as much as we celebrate the late Chuck Berry , in the early days of rock and roll there was also a musical color bar in he US , when early R&B was known as "Race Music".
Nice topic that could be twisted to suit how each one interprets it . Just to inform that before Jit the Arranger for Renegades was Selwyn Mohamed of Guinness Cavaliers brother of the Legendary Lennox Bobby Mohamed and they were in in Panorama Finals during his stint. They even won the Bomb Competition then . As a proud Sando born and bred it would be of interest for those who are not acquainted with Pan in South that long before Bobby there were prominent Indo Arrangers like Steve Lalsingh of Maestros Steel Orch. and Tosca of Melody Makers Steel Orch and after True Tones from Princes Town . Stalwarts like Steve Achibah of Panorama Winners Hatters Steel Orch , and Bendik Cummerbatch of Antellian All Stars and numerous other Bands . Others to be remembered were the Winchesters of Teenage Symphony of Portuguese Descent , Jameel Whiby of Antellian All Stars of Syrian Descent , the Andre's of Rogues Regiment , " Bit" Diyal the one who started Sundowners Steel Orch and many , many more who contributed in so many ways be it by actually playing , financially , Managing the Bands ect . In POS there were many who played significant roles in the Bands just to mention the Pouchette family of Silver Stars and Curtis Pierre of Dixie Land . SteelBand has long gone past any monopoly of Race , Class , or even Country for it is Universally accepted as any of the other conventional instruments .
Mercer Ramdoo > Steve "Carter" K.March 23, 2017 at 7:42am
The topic was to stimulate discussion. What percentage of Indos are involved with the 'steelband' movement in T&T?
Cecil hinkson > Mercer RamdooMarch 23, 2017 at 9:20am
patrick ramdoo if yuh check the town bands panorama side and find 5 Indian players yuh find plenty. To me it look like there are more Indian Gyrls playing than boys.
All this Race talk about Pan is just chupidness. Come on allyuh, think.
Anthony Williams (dougla) ; Hugh Borde (dougla); Ellie Manette (half breed); Ray Holman (half breed); Junior Pouchette (half breed) and so much more non-totally Black pan icons. All from the same Trini genepool though.
Please leave Pan out of this Race chupidness. Thank you.
P.S. Notice I only give a sample from the West. You all know the real deal. Nuff said.
Replies
The simple answer is yes.
Though it is an undeniable fact that all aspects of Trinidadian society have contributed in varying degrees to the development of the art-form ,race (and class ) have both negatively impacted the growth of the art-form , because of the unwillingness of all aspects of the society to embrace it , and invest in it as their own.
For example ,in spite of evidence to the contrary ,not that long ago a respected leader in the Hindu community , Mr. Sat Maharaj said in a discussion , "Africans beat pan , Indians beat book ".
(The discussion is available somewhere on You-Tube ,if anyone wishes to do a search; I saw it some time ago).
We all know this is untrue , since Trinidadians of Indian heritage have also contributed to the development of the art-form , but that is the prevailing attitude among many, and it limits the nation's ability to fully embrace and promote the art-form.
In reality I would say the development of the steelpan was more about poor urban youth in T&T , it just happened that most of the youths in the urban centers back then were of African heritage.
However , I would remind everyone that if there was a neighborhood steelband , many of the youths in the area (in the "lime" as we would say) participated regardless of class or ethnic origin , in spite of objections from parents etc.
I must also mention that these attitudes are not unique to Trinidad , there were class based objections to the growth and influence of early reggae music in Jamaica , and as much as we celebrate the late Chuck Berry , in the early days of rock and roll there was also a musical color bar in he US , when early R&B was known as "Race Music".
Ah thought this topic was about RACISM IN TRINIDAD in general and HOW RACISM IN TRINIDAD affected the STEELBAND in particular.
And yuh know what 'thought' made a man do. Ent?
Fact:
In T&T this a.m, turn on the tap and get coffee, problem is I don't drink coffee.
Nice topic that could be twisted to suit how each one interprets it . Just to inform that before Jit the Arranger for Renegades was Selwyn Mohamed of Guinness Cavaliers brother of the Legendary Lennox Bobby Mohamed and they were in in Panorama Finals during his stint. They even won the Bomb Competition then . As a proud Sando born and bred it would be of interest for those who are not acquainted with Pan in South that long before Bobby there were prominent Indo Arrangers like Steve Lalsingh of Maestros Steel Orch. and Tosca of Melody Makers Steel Orch and after True Tones from Princes Town . Stalwarts like Steve Achibah of Panorama Winners Hatters Steel Orch , and Bendik Cummerbatch of Antellian All Stars and numerous other Bands . Others to be remembered were the Winchesters of Teenage Symphony of Portuguese Descent , Jameel Whiby of Antellian All Stars of Syrian Descent , the Andre's of Rogues Regiment , " Bit" Diyal the one who started Sundowners Steel Orch and many , many more who contributed in so many ways be it by actually playing , financially , Managing the Bands ect . In POS there were many who played significant roles in the Bands just to mention the Pouchette family of Silver Stars and Curtis Pierre of Dixie Land . SteelBand has long gone past any monopoly of Race , Class , or even Country for it is Universally accepted as any of the other conventional instruments .
Interesting piece of history Steve...ty...
patrick ramdoo if yuh check the town bands panorama side and find 5 Indian players yuh find plenty. To me it look like there are more Indian Gyrls playing than boys.
All this Race talk about Pan is just chupidness. Come on allyuh, think.
Anthony Williams (dougla) ; Hugh Borde (dougla); Ellie Manette (half breed); Ray Holman (half breed); Junior Pouchette (half breed) and so much more non-totally Black pan icons. All from the same Trini genepool though.
Please leave Pan out of this Race chupidness. Thank you.
P.S. Notice I only give a sample from the West. You all know the real deal. Nuff said.
I prefer the term mixed race, not half breed. That's an insult in my book. What's the other half made up of?
The term breed is normally used in conjunction with animals. Ellie, Ray and the late Junior are not animals.
Thank you
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