Tribute to Panman and Activist Ian “Teddy” Belgrave
by Nestor Sullivan
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Born in Laventille, Trinidad, Ian “Teddy” Belgrave was exposed to the steelband at a very early age. His two elder brothers, John and Robin, were practicing players with steelbands in the area. This area had bands like: Kentuckyians; Armed Forces; Unique; Playboys; Savoys; Highlanders; Southern Symphony ...and individuals like: Bertie Marshall; Carl Greenidge; Oscar Bushe; the Bonaparte Brothers; Lincoln Noel; Theophilus Trim - all legends and icons in their own right, all of whom made positive contributions to this instrument that we so candidly claim today as the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. As a youth, Teddy rubbed shoulders with these ‘men of steel;’ it is no wonder that he made the kind of contribution to Pan that we can speak about today.
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Replies
Greetings When will we get the address for Brother Sobers so that we can all help him? Guidance Dr. Lance
Teddy was my inspiration; He taught me at Arima Secondary School back in the 1964-1965. I have had a very good life playing pan and i think i owe it to Teddy; I was a member of the Real Thing Steelband in Bermuda in 1971 t0 1973 formed my own band and went back to Bermuda in 1974;I migrated to Los Angeles CA in 1974 and performed throughtout the region. My return to Trinidad in 2011 was also inspired by Teddy as He, Nestor Sullivan and I resurrected Mango Rose Steelpan Services and was instrumental in Gifting a Tenor Pan from the People of TNT to William and Kate and importing drums for several tuners. He was truly a Pan Icon;An Educator, A Union Executive; A Writer/Lecturer. but most of all he was a great Human Being and FRIEND! Rest In Peace! My Brother!
AS AN ORIGINAL MEMBER OF BIRDSONG, (WE STARTED AND REHEARSED UPSTAIRS IN THE OLD GUILD HALL), R.I.P TEDDY.
OUR FIRST GIG WAS THE U.W.I CARNIVAL SHOW, AT THE JFK HALL.
u will truly be missed
Hear Nah Cecvil ah go resurrect Pick A Box and have yuh on de competition. Ah love yuh response. On a more sombre note. We should honor our pioneers while they are alive. I spoke to Pantun recently and will attempt to organize a symposium or a concert in the Le High Acres FL next year. He said that he want to be involved. I would like to throw the idea out there for those who might want to help Guidance Dr. Lance
You go right ahead my brother, we all have to do what we can. [ ah cyah take ah bobie prize 2day]
Greetings It is always a sad moment when we read of the passing of one of our pioneers.We must design a path where we can honor them when they are alive. As one who does research I have always thought the Bonaparte brothers were from LaBrea. In fact I knew where they lived in La Brea. Guidance Dr. Lance Seunarine
Aye Lance wah go on my Brother? one brother was born in LaBrea and the other in POS.that's why they were called D Born-apart brothers. [I could not help it] LMAO an ole Trini joke.
This man surely contributed a lot to the steelband.