World Steelpan Day

On July 24 the United Nations declared that today (Aug 11) would be known as #WorldSteelPanDay. This came as very exciting for all pan players and lovers worldwide, and so it’s only right that we look into the history of the steelpan!

A massive thank you and congrats to Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts for all their hard work in achieving this goal!

The steelpan

If you somehow have no idea what a steelpan looks like, here’s an example. There are different types that produce different sounds but the concept is always the same – a pan made of steel

Let’s go back to 1834, enslaved Africans in Trinidad & Tobago have been emancipated (T&Cs applied) and have been given permission to participate in Carnival celebrations. However, the instruments that they played were often targeted by ridiculous government bills and so, as is always the case for Black people, they got creative.

While protesting the restrictions, people started to make instruments out of unconventional materials; scrap metal, metal containers, dustbins and bamboo stamping tubes. If it made a noise, it could be used. The music groups playing these instruments were known as ‘Tamboo Bamboo Bands’ and are honoured as the foundation of modern pan bands.

By the mid-1950s, pans had become standardises, usually being made from 55-gallon oil drums. The video below shows how steelpans are made today

There’s more to it than just banging a drum

Different pans produce different sounds and have different purposes. Tenor pans usually carry the melody whilst the bass carries the bass line (duh). There is also what we call the ‘Engine Room’ which consists of all the other small percussive instruments – cowbells, tambourines, maracas etc that all contribute to the overall sound of the band.

Panorama – Battle of the bands but make it pan

Panorama started in Trinidad in 1963 and now takes place during carnival seasons around the world, including here in London.

Each steelband will play an original composition of a popular calypso/soca song and hope to be crowned champion for that year. You’ll hear your favourite songs played like never before.

Wherever your next carnival may be, I highly recommend that you attend panorama and truly appreciate the sounds of the steelpan!