The Carifesta XIV experience being hosted in Trinidad and Tobago this year may have a bit of upheaval, this as Pantrinbago says the national instrument isn’t being treated with the respect it deserves.
Ace pannist Dane Gulston has spoken out on the matter of the steelpan not being included in the main concert event, “Island Beats”, which is carded for August 24th.
The Isand Beats event being hosted at the Queen’s Park Savannah, will be headlined by Machel Montano, Grammy Award winner, Shaggy and Guadeloupe’s Kassav, with other performances by young entertainers like Nailah Blackman and Voice. Gulston argues it’s outrageous that no thought was given to including the host country’s national instrument in the main stage lineup, further stating that the use of steel pan only at the opening and closing of events, is essentially a slap in the face.
Speaking on television on Friday morning, Pantrinbago President, Beverly Ramsey-Moore said while the organization, under her stewardship, has enjoyed a very good relationship with Culture and Arts Minister Nyan Gadsby Dolly, her response to the request from Pantrinbago to be included in the main stage dynamic, was unappreciated. She relayed how Gadsby Dolly seemed to have been taken aback by the request, in essence squealing, “Pan on stage with Machel and Shaggy?!”
Replies
Why not use the Guyana Steelband for Carifesta Main Stage? Heard em today, very impressive indeed.
Winsford Devine - Baratiele
The Poet and the Anthem
Sanch Electronx Limited
Inspirational poet Arlette Wiggins charts a new course by reciting the National Anthem of Trinidad and Tobago in tandem with the melody played on a tenor Steelpan by Kevin Richards.
"Patrick S. Castagne composed the words and music of the National Anthem in 1962.[2] Mr Castagne, a renowned West Indian songwriter, was employed at the Trinidad and Tobago Commission in London.[1] One of his compositions, called "A Song for the Islands"[2] or A Song for Federation,[1] was submitted to the West Indies Federation as a possible anthem.[2]
When the Federation collapsed, he changed some of the lines and resubmitted the song to Trinidad and Tobago[2] for the competition to choose the National Anthem. In total, the competition received 834 word only entries, 33 music only entries and 306 word and music entries. Mr. Castagne's submission came out on top and he won the price of $5,000.00 in Government Bonds and a gold medal inscribed with the Coat of Arms of Trinidad and Tobago.[1]" Wikipedia
25,000+ Panist in Trinidad and Tobago?
...............................................................
No local/global competition to select anthem for world steelpan day?
One (1) entry invited?
RUSSELL: Yuh MORE BRUTAL than ME by A MILE!!!
GOOD POINT!!!
I think that it should be an INSTRUMENTAL PIECE!!!