Blog 2.0

Time to Re-dedicate Ourselves...

Yet another Steelband Month has rolled around. Today I want to beg steelband lovers everywhere to support the Pan like never before. Support Pan Trinbago and other promoters’ Pan events; not only this month but throughout the year.
 

If you ask me why the Pan Buzz likes Steelband Month; it is because it offers us the opportunity to rock back and take stock of our attitude towards the Pan and the Panman. You see me? I am not going to beat the dead horse called ‘respect;’ but what I’ll do is call on Pan people to look in the mirror and rededicate ourselves to Pan development... and defence. The Pan has not truly been liberated; there is still a struggle on, but only in Trinidad and Tobago; and not the wider world, that is increasingly looking to Pan and its financial benefits.
 

We in Trinbago are bumping our gums and behaving like beh behs (imbeciles); sometimes I feel we don’t know better. There is a constant battle with Panmen and deejays at events, and those who feel the Pan is still - and forever will be - a noisy instrument.

Apparently Pan is not a priority with Minister of Culture (forget the “multiculturalism”) Winston “Gypsy” Peters. Here you have a minister of culture at a public function on the eve of Emancipation, calling for “respect the calypsonians.” A Minister of Culture should not be calling for respect for one section of culture of which he is a member. Calypsonians have separated themselves into two camps; those who sing for their political supper, and those who have stayed true to the artform. Why didn’t Peters call for respect for the Panman also? No. He waged a stupid war against panmen earlier this year over some petty change stipend. He is not aware that Pan and calypso are brothers and sisters? Both were born out of struggle and had to fight every inch of the way for acceptance by society. Doesn’t he know their similar histories?

However, Pan Trinbago must be congratulated on this significant milestone... Steelband Month 2011.

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START WITH TERRY AND PEPE... JOINTLY
 

Two concerns have been plaguing my mind, and I wish Pan Trinbago could address them. Firstly I wish to suggest to Keith “Bald Head” Diaz and his crew that at the awards ceremony they launch the International Panman Of The Year Award. This is necessary to rope in our foreign brothers (not only local) as Pan is a world thing. Awarding local contributors is great, but we need to widen the scope. We have to start thinking differently.
 

I think two individuals who should be honoured are Terrence Noel and the evergreen Pepe Francis (pictured above). Both men have done much to establish Pan in England, and their efforts cannot be delinked. With the wide international spy network of Pan Buzz, I can always give Pan Trinbago a name or two deserving of honour. And don’t doubt me there are many. Pepe’s and Terry’s contributions have been so effective, that Pan, despite its struggles, is now accepted as part of British culture.

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BADJOHN DAY -PART OF PAN’S HISTORY
 

Narrow-minded panmen have attacked Pan Trinbago’s President Keith “Bald Head” Diaz over Bad John Day - that one day when the old gringos of Pan travel down memory lane, retracing their battles in defence of Pan...or turf. These stories, although filled with gore, cannot be ignored. They are a part of steelband history whether we like it or not. They are stories of iron bolts, cutlasses, bell-bottomed pants, two-toned shoes, white-handle razors and men with names that could make Captain America cringe. Names like BOLD FACE, ONE MAN, CUT-OUTA, WHITETY KINKAID, PINK EYE, LITTLE AXE, GOLD TEETH, BARONG and others. Right now I gettin’ frighten just writing dem fellas names. Ah trembling. Did you know that Pan Buzz escaped being chopped up like beef when Tokyo attacked Casablanca at the corner of Frederick and Duke Streets in Port-of-Spain? There I was in the front row, merrily playing my double tenor when bottle splintered on the rack. I didn't wait, I was off to the races... leaving a trail of brown manure.

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condolences
 

Condolences to the families of Aldwyn “Chow Lee” Chow Lin on, and the wonderful Pan researcher Gideon Maxime. I have never met both men formally, but I know of their tremendous contributions. Chow Lee was associated with the early Silver Stars and could be ranked as one of the ‘Chinee’ in Pan, as well as the Chan brothers and my old pal Hady Lee of Dixieland. Gideon, on the other hand, distinguished himself as a meticulous researcher, and knowledgeable commentator on Panorama. I will miss his commentaries.
 

Guys, rest in Peace.

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Until next week, wherever you are in Pan’s Diaspora, keep loving up The Pan.

Steelbands must commit to Music Festival

Every time the Steelband music festival comes around I am filled with trepidation. Now - you might ask how a fearless man like Pan Buzz could be filled with fear. It has to do with the poor turn-out and the lack of commitment of government agencies - The Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism, the Tourism Development Company and hypocritical panmen, who prefer to smoke a “10-piece” (weed) than support the festival. And that’s not all; the big bands, by their very selfish attitude, have contributed significantly to the demise of the Festival.
 

Two big bands that could make the festival a thing of beauty, WITCO Desperadoes and Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars - both past winners - have been ducking the Festival for flimsy reasons. My spies tell me the prize money is not attractive as the National Panorama’s, hence the reason panmen are reluctant to participate. Then there is the question of indiscipline in some bands, because some panmen and their cliques run the bands, not the executives - and who don’t like what I am saying it’s their damn business. Everybody knows the Pan Buzz tells it like it is. I don’t owe anybody, only the bank. Sagicor Exodus and TCL Skiffle Bunch have been consistent; I say hooray to them. Bptt Renegades, Caribbean Airlines Invaders and Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove, like lame racehorses, have been in-and-out performers. There are 7,000 panmen, and you want to tell me the 2008 Festival buss; and these same panmen quick to wash their Listerine mouths on Pan Trinbago.
 

How do they want the festival to grow when their bands don’t participate? The big bands, too, should know that their presence will make the sponsorship work easier, and Keith “Bald Head” Diaz and his team don’t have to fart like an old engine to get help. They [big bands] have a responsibility to making the show grow, and not staying on the sidelines. They have got to look at the bigger picture and commit to the Festival. The last time Despers participated in the Festival was 1992 when the band won.
 

Let’s face it; the 2008 Festival was pathetic; it was more like a funeral, than a celebration. One deceitful panman blamed the high price of admission, although it was a quality show. When I started to fart on him, he had to run for cover. These same panmen buy their weed et al, attend shows by Jamaican acts, but don’t find the price high. Anyway, August is Pan month; and October is Festival month. And both must be stoutly supported. As the weeks progress, Pan Buzz will update you on things Festival, and go down memory lane with great festival moments in Pan. Don’t miss it.

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Use the works of Pan song composers

Everybody knows that the Pan Buzz does run he mouth like a river; but what they don’t say is that the Buzz offers solutions and ideas too. They quick to say I negative and vulgar, but they can’t touch me when it comes to defending The Pan. They too wotless!  However, I have one for Pan Trinbago and the upcoming Festival. I say let’s give Pan song composers their just desserts, or due if you prefer. Let’s choose the Test Piece from the brimming archives of songs that celebrate the Pan... Pan songs. We have a body of work sitting there gathering dust. Every year there are over 50 songs to add to the library. Now my Maths ain’t good, the only thing I could count is sheep. From Lord Kitchener in 1936 to Holman in 1972, the floodgates have been opened. I will like to propose six songs from which one could be chosen as the Test Piece, and adapted in the classical mode. Readers may want to submit their selections too.

Here goes:

• Harps of Gold:  Mighty Duke

• Pan Forever More:  The Original DeFosto Himself

• Pan Redemption:  Jason “Peanut” Isaac

• Symphony In G:  Lord Kitchener

• Ah Hearing Pan:  Mighty Shadow

• Oh Trinidad:  Ray Holman    (pictured, upper right)
  
  

Pan Trinbago, let’s forever give our composers pride of place, alongside the great masters Bach, Beethoven and others. There will always be room in our Festival, because Pan and the classics form a great relationship. As usual bands could play their tune-of-choice, and a classical piece. The Pan Is Beautiful XII series will be held in several categories: ensemble, soloist, single pans bands and conventional. Get cracking, Pan Trinbago.

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MORE questions on the G-Pan /PHI controversy

It is with a very sad and heavy heart I return to the G-Pan and the Percussive Harmonic Instrument (PHI). Now I said it once, I will say it again, Pan Buzz intends to ask questions about the controversy until I fall sick. As I always say the Pan Buzz will not let go this topic until all parties come clean; they have to bathe in the river of truth. We are talking about TT 35 million smackers here, so don’t expect me to walk away. I am going to beat this topic like a drum, and I am in for the long haul.
 

I say Professor Brian Copeland must account. I am not accusing him of anything, so why is it so difficult for him to account? His integrity is on the line. The University of the West Indies (UWI) must state its role in this affair. If they playing bad, I am going to make this a social media campaign. I am warning all parties. Pan People around the world will have to intervene. This is taxpayers’ money we are talking about, Professor Sankat. I am not taking that. Calling Mr. Keith Maynard; say something. I want answers. I want answers. I won’t rest, this involves my grandchildren money. You know what 35 million could do in terms of Pan development?

As far as I am concerned and I said it on several occasions; the G-Pan is a work in progress. I have already pointed out that made-to-order drums are available in Europe. We should have a Pan lab humming 24/7. Young inventors could walk off the street and pursue their ideas, explore their ideas. Last week I named two inventors who have something to offer. Professor Copeland must say something and not ‘wish’ this controversy away. This is not a fairy tale; this is a serious matter.
 

UWI has stated its concern to monitor the controversy; this must not be allowed to fester like a sore foot. Professor Copeland: you have to say something. You can’t hide under a lawyer’s desk. I not taking that, I want answers:

• What is the unspent balance?  How much of the TT $35 million has been spent?  Where are the bills?

• Who is administering the fund (Payments)?

• UWI must explain its role in this sorry episode

• Who is responsible for the OVERSIGHT of these two projects? Was this a ‘bran tub’ exercise where disbursements were concerned?

• When can taxpayers expect a financial statement?

• Why were UWI students deceived into thinking it was a contribution, when it was in fact a commercial enterprise?

• How many G-Pans were sold? Why weren’t UWI students given a stipend for their creative energies? Why are they playing dumb, are they sworn to secrecy?

• Are they afraid of victimisation?

• What legal avenues are open to them to challenge for a share of the PHI pie?

• Have they signed over their creative rights?

• Is it true that the PHI pans are now being sold for TT $15,000?  If true, how many pans have been sold?

• Who owns Panadigm, and how is it legally constituted?

• Name the jurisdictions the Pans are registered, and in whose name(s)?

These are some of the questions I need answered. Is UWI’s Sankat playing dumb? Is Professor Copeland playing dumber?
 

Please be guided accordingly

The Pan Buzz is a lover of democracy, but when it gets crazy, it is a different story. I have been reading some of the comments relating to the Pan Buzz and am filled with wonder. Some people are coming up with their own ideas that Professor Brian Copeland tief this or tief that.
 

All the Pan Buzz is saying is: why should accountability be a problem concerning the TT 35 million smackers? The Pan Buzz could ask questions...can’t he? The longer several questions remain unanswered, the lack of transparency - the longer the cloud will hover over the G-Pan and the air of suspicion, malfeasance, (nice word, eh?); deceit also. For far too long we haven’t held our peers responsible, but lived in awe of their academia...not Pan Buzz.  UWI just cannot say it is monitoring the controversy and go hone. UWI must answer questions too. Commentators please be guided accordingly.
 

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Wherever you are in Pan’s Diaspora, don’t forget to keep loving up The Pan.