World Steelpan Day

“Pan music transcends even Carnival itself. Born out of struggle and resistance against continual attempts to quell African expression, the steel pan is a light that has determinedly found its way through the cracks of deep pain.”- Janine Mendes- Franco. Without a doubt culture and creativity are the heartbeat of our societies. With so many global crises around the world people need moments to connect and music has that magical power to unite. The steelpan (also known as a pan, steel drum, and sometimes, collectively with other musicians, as a steelband or steel orchestra) is a musical instrument originating in Trinidad and Tobago. It is played using a pair of straight sticks tipped with rubber; the size and type of rubber tip varies according to the class of pan being played. Some musicians use four pansticks, holding two in each hand. This grew out of Trinidad and Tobago's early 20th-century Carnival percussion groups. Acknowledging that the steelpan promotes inclusive societies, sustainable communities and the creative economy and can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being, gender equality and youth empowerment, the United Nations (UN) declared August 11 as World Steelpan Day. The day is set aside to raise awareness of the cultural and historical significance of the steelpan as well as its link to sustainable development. On 3 and 4 July 2024, The National Musical Instrument Bill 2024 was debated in Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament to declare the Steelpan as the country’s National Musical Instrument. The Bill entitled “An Act to provide for the designation of the Steelpan as the National Musical Instrument of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and for related matters” gained unanimous support from all Members of Parliament present. The History of the Steelpan. The 1881 Canboulay Riots sparked a new age of cultural expression for people in Trinidad as they fought for their right to celebrate their annual carnival festivals. As the British sought to quiet the “rebels” by banning their stick-fighting traditions and African percussion music practices, the people found other ways to make sweet sounds. The first piece of the puzzle in the steelpan’s history was the use of tamboo bamboos, which were tunable sticks made of bamboo wood. Revelers would hit these sticks onto the ground and with other sticks to make beats. Soon they added metal percussion to their bands, and by 1939 the first all-steel band, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, emerged, making steel instruments a preferred carnival accompaniment. By 1951, the newly formed Trinidad All-steelpan Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) attended the Commonwealth Arts Festival in England as the first Steelband with instruments made from old 55-gallon oil drums. Steelpan and Sustainable Development. Cultural diversity and the pursuit of cultural development by all peoples and nations are a source of mutual enrichment for the cultural life of humankind. The importance of promoting and preserving cultural diversity is set out in the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. The steelpan possesses cultural and historical significance and correlates to cultural, social and economic development. It also has the potential in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, through its use in sectors such as tourism, culture, education, as well as science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Without a doubt pannists are elated with the formal recognition of this instrument. Craftsmanship and Technique. Each steelpan is a work of art, carefully crafted by skilled artisans. The process involves shaping the metal surface of the drum to create distinct notes, which are then carefully tuned. Musicians play the steelpan using specially designed sticks tipped with rubber, with the size and type of tip varying depending on the class of pan being played. Some skilled performers even use four pansticks, demonstrating the instrument’s versatility and the high level of skill required to master it. Cultural Diversity and Enrichment. The steelpan embodies the principles of cultural diversity emphasized in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the 2030 Agenda. By promoting and preserving this unique instrument, the global community acknowledges the importance of diverse cultural expressions in enriching human society. Economic and Social Impact. Beyond its cultural significance, the steelpan has the potential to contribute to various sectors of sustainable development: Tourism: As a unique cultural attraction, the steelpan can boost tourism in Trinidad and Tobago and other regions where it has gained popularity. Education: The instrument can be integrated into educational programs, promoting musical education and cultural awareness. Creative Economy: The steelpan industry, including instrument production, performances, and recordings, contributes to the creative economy. Science and Technology: The craftsmanship behind steelpan production involves principles of acoustics and metallurgy, offering opportunities for scientific and technological research. UWI Panoridim. We ought not to underestimate the importance of steelpan music to Caribbean Integration. UWI Panoridim is a 26-piece steel orchestra that aims to widen the appreciation and scope of steelpan music in Jamaica. We are a non-profit cultural society of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, under the auspices of the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts (PSCCA). Panoridim is the oldest steelband in Jamaica and is a blend of mostly Jamaicans with other Caribbean islanders and a few international students. The band has spawned other professional, church, and school bands throughout the island. As a club under UWI, we teach steelpan technique and performance to all our members. Many of our pannists are now some of the best steelpan players in Jamaica and are prominent steelpan music arrangers, directors and composers. Cultural Expression. The sound of the steelpan goes beyond listening to big bands on Trinidad and Tobago’s Savannah Grass. Interestingly, steelpan music which has strong roots to carnival has also sprouted branches in religious circles in Jamaica. For example, the Kingston Parish Church, of the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and Cayman Islands has a steelpan orchestra. Additionally, Bethel Baptist Church, Christ Church in Vineyard Town and The Church of the Transfiguration all have Steel Band Orchestras. The steelpan continues to impact the wider society. A number of high schools in Jamaica also have a Steel Band Orchestra. Among them are Meadowbrook and Ardenne High Schools. Social Benefits. The UN resolution also recognizes the steelpan’s potential to: advance gender equality, empower youth through cultural engagement and skill development. Positively impact mental health and well-being as well as the promotion of inclusive societies and sustainable development. Ways to Observe. For people in the Caribbean, the metal pan is used mainly for two purposes. Firstly, to jerk chicken for which Jamaica is known internationally for its jerk chicken and pork as well as to play music. This underscores the creativity and cultural diversity of Caribbean cultures. The UN General Assembly has invited stakeholders worldwide to observe World Steelpan Day through various activities. Celebrations may include: Steelpan concerts and performances. Educational workshops on steelpan history and construction. There can also be community based steelpan competitions. One can also use the internet to research on the history of steelpan. Social media can also be used to organize interactive exchanges between different peoples regarding the impact of steelpan music on the global culture. Additionally, academic symposiums exploring the instrument’s impact on society and culture is also recommended. On this World Steelpan Day let us be mindful of the power of music to bring communities together as we work to engender a world of inclusivity. Happy World Steelpan Day! Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #worldsteelpanday