Global -  Meet the chief executive officer for the acclaimed Exodus Steel Orchestra, Ainsworth Mohammed. In a frank and candid interview Mr. Mohammed shares his views on a host of issues surrounding Panorama past, present and future. Ainsworth Mohammed is one of the premiere executives in Pan... 


“Remove the categories and revert to a single Panorama Champion and this includes single pan bands,”  Ainsworth Mohammed.
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  • I agree the standard of panorama has not peaked but it is definitely not far off, judging from last year's performances. I am confident this year's panorama will draw us closer to perfection. Wait and see. Sorry wait and hear.

  • I totally agree with Ainsworth comments and man with experience and fully understands the Steel Pan Culture 

  • We need more of these public discussions on all aspects of 'pan'

    I want to add my piece about prize money.

    Consideration should be given to a more equitable division of the prize money. Consider this the 12 or 10 finalists are not separated by very much in the quality of the entertainment they provide. I believe that some time in the late seventies consideration was given to this matter.

    One possible solution is to pay a significant appearance fee to each of the finalists.

    The rest of the available funds could be divided among the finalists. - equal amounts to the first 3 or 4 and similarly to the following groups. 

    The winning band gets bragging rights and a deserving trophy to keep, not one that you have to win 3 times before you get to put it in the trophy case.

    I know this is a difficult pill for a lot of people to swallow, but I look forward to the comments

  • I tend to agree totally with the comments made by Ainsworth Mohammed. Let,s look at Marketing. The deceased Michael

    Jackson at any time in his career, had lots of marketing and advertisement of his shows that they were always highly successful and sold out. all the present day singers do it and even our local Machel Montano. from proper marketing and advertising worldwide of this great Steelband competition, Trinidad should be overrun with visitors trying to experience this gala show which stretches over a 4 week period. As a result all down stream industries relating to this would benefit and by extension the twin island state. If the administration of Pan Trinbago , are intelligent and highly business oriented they acting as agents can earn lots of profits, and by extension those bands who are so inclined.

    New bands being Formed ; A big Hustle. I can recall Skiffle Bunch  and laventille sound specialist, bands who because of their leadership and musical prowess chose to become conventional bands.

    How many bands in the single pan and small band category, perform continuously throughout the year? .At carnival time pans are pulled out and you suddenly hear of the high mentainance and operating costs. Why then do the owners of those bands not invest in orchestral type sounds by becoming convential.

    If these bands are allowed easy money, the quality of music will not improve and any form of advancement will be retarded. Bands will continue opening up all over by every Tom, Dick and Harry. Some criteria should be used throughout the year if a band is to mentain the status quo.

    These statements may not be favourable with everyone, but we have regressed over the years instead of showing improvement. Actually about 10% - 15 % of the steelband body carries the entire movement. Isn' that most unfair/

    • Very good interview.

      I agree with you Trevor.  Most of the bands are a drain on the system.  They are not musically or financially viable. They should be eliminated.

      bugs

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