The Observer
Veron Henry (Photo by Alex Andre Rhodes)
By Carlena Knight
A lack of production of drums is putting the Caribbean at risk of losing the art form of pan, says eminent tuner Veron Henry.
“Drums are very scarce in Antigua. It’s like a dry well, and in Trinidad as well it’s drying up,” he told Observer.
“There was a factory that made the two-sided drums that they made specifically for steel pan and they haven’t been making any for the past three years, so if we are going to continue the art form we really need to find a way of getting our own drums but I am working on that.”
Henry, who is known for his work with long-running steel orchestra Hell’s Gate, spoke of a number of measures he is taking to help mitigate the issue – including setting up his own pan lab.
He has already begun making steps towards his lab, which he has named Pan Zone Plus.
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