Len "Boogsie" Sharpe - Interview on Gayelle TV: Patrick Arnold must go! (part 2)

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Wednesday 2nd September 2009 Len "Boogsie" Sharpe dynamic pan arranger and band leader of Phase II Pan Groove was interviewed on Gayelle TV's morning programme, Cock-A-Doodle-Doo with host Robert Clarke where he justified a statement that was made on Independence Night at the National Awards ceremony. After having received the Hummingbird Gold, the second highest national award of Trinidad and Tobago, "Boogsie" commented on Pantrinbago and made the statement that "Pan is dead now." This was a first exclusive interview with Mr Sharpe on his statements that evening.

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  • Something else to think about was the World Steel Band Music Festival held in Manhattan...it was a fantastic event with great quality pan music...HOWEVER, many of the bands did not get paid and it is my understanding that they still haven't been paid.
  • Today, Gayelle interviewed Melville Bryan who gave Pantrinbago's official response to Mr. Sharp's comments. This video will be uploaded soon.
  • I may not agree with everything Boogsie is saying, and I certainly do not believe pan is dead. The roots may need some fertilizer, but the branches are spreading worldwide.

    However, I understand his frustration with what seems to be a lack of initiative from the governing body of the premier steelband organization in the world.
    This is probably what Boogsie sees as a lack of business acumen.

    As the leader of one of the top steelbands in the world, Boogsie is in a position where his voice can be heard; however the situation is even more dire for the lesser known steelbands.

    One of the negative side effects of Panorama is what happens to the bands that do not make it to Panorama finals and semifinals.

    The panyard, which has been a community center of pre carnival activity, becomes a like graveyard, as the spirits of the panmen are broken, and since most bands have minimal participation in Carnival, the season is just about over for them.
    I wonder if Pan Trinbago gives this any thought?

    I would suggest the Pan Trinbago think about separating the Panorama from Carnival. I believe that Panorama as a festival can stand on its own.
    Pan people will support Panorama at any of year.

    This will have the added benefit of freeing up the steelbands to participate fully in the Carnival as professional musicians. Bands would have time to develop a repertoire of tunes, and with some adjustments (maybe amplification) provide a viable alternative to the DJ's on Carnival Day, and in parties and dances.
    Bands can even return to producing their own mass bands like in the old days.

    Another area where Pan Trinbago has fallen short in a business sense is promotion of their product.

    In spite of our efforts to promote pan on the web, one will be surprised to find that many people around the world are not even aware that steelbands exist.
    This is an area where Pan Trinbago needs to be more aggressive.
  • You have to admire Boogsie for wanting to improve the situation for pan, but I think he would have been more effective in his presentation if he wrote an outline to speak from, which would have more impact. Still, I am 100% behind him about changing things for the better; but if the bands continue to vote Patrick Arnold back into office, there's very little Boogsie can do. It's a shame, but Boogsie is right....one only needs to look at the failed New Pantrinbago Headquarters to know that.
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