"My father was a panman and all my brothers can play pan. I was the only one who di...d not and this is like my gift to him," Akiel said, adding that it is also the tune of choice for Sforzata, a medium band from Curepe.
The city scape has changed for Carnival 2016, with WITCO Desperadoes getting a temporary home in the heart of Port of Spain, on Frederick Street, opposite Woodford Square. Occupying the spot on which the Greyfriars Church once stood until it was demolished, Desperadoes has brought a buzz to the capital.
The choice of song is also a statement from the band’s new arranger Carlton “Zanda” Alexander, who worked with the Siparia Deltones up to last year.
Zanda has been working with Despers stage side for several months leading up to the management’s decision to replace their long standing arranger Robbie Greenidge.
Carnival 2016 will be the last year that Desperadoes will be away from home, as manager Curtis Edwards told TTRN that the band’s headquarters in Laventille, currently being refurbished, will be ready for occupation by March 2016.
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I am anxiously awaiting the return home of the band. I ALSO SUGGEST TO MANAGEMENT that a Program of CULTURAL ACTIVITY be done for that day using all PERFORMING PERSONNEL that reside in the community with DESPERADOES being the main item on the agenda.