Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form
Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. - No last name is needed for instant recognition in the world of Pan for “Natasha.” She is as equally humble as she is immensely talented. Destined for greatness - she is a musical prodigy who has the respect of her peers. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - educator, performer, arranger, composer and drill-master Natasha Joseph provides insight into her expectations and experiences as an elite panist in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Natasha-destined for greatness!
Yeah I understand and accept that many panists don't have another source of income. But as we crossed swords recently, No serious competition will allow involvement with more than one entity. At any rate raising the stipend to $2,000.00 will only increase the number of hustlers...you know that too. Bands already suffering for membership due to disloyalty which is largely due to the hustle mentality. So you expect panists to suddenly become any more loyal because the y getting double money? I doubt that bro.
Just this year our numbers at the prelims grew from an expected forty or so to fifty-something largely because Small bands were the last to face the judges. Most of the new players never played with us before. They simply came for the $1,000.00. One man refused to play in the Semis unless we paid him more money. So we heard anyway because he never made his case to the executive. He just didn't play. We didn't mind the extra hands on deck because it helped our cause in one way. But at the end of the day there is no guarantee that we will see most of these people ever again. Imagine, we made the semis and two nights later we could not get a full house for practice. I had music prepared to add for the Semis...but to no avail. Some people only showed up the night before the Semis. And you telling me that "panist have to eat"? Clearly they don't "have" to work for money. Just hustle pan for Panorama.
Another musical blessing for T&T, let's see how we deal with this one. I have been privy to Natasha's phenomenal growth and development over the past 23 years. She has been a joy to behold. Congratulations Natasha, I appreciate your tremendous talent and musicianship
“The Panorama cash flow. At present, many bands suffer for players because most of their core players do the hustle for Panorama playing with a lot of bands. If it is possible to increase the prize money 200%, this may help to lessen the amount of hustlers by about 50-60%.” …..Really Natasha?…lol…get serious sister...
Congrats Tasha!
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