In commemoration of World Steelpan Day, the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago has partnered with Pan Trinbago to pay homage to the heartbeat of our heritage.
Crafted from the by-product of discarded oil drums, the steelpan emerged as the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century. Forged from the historical and social conditions present at the time, this instrument is now branded as the heartbeat of Trinidad and Tobago, a symbol of our country’s identity and resilience.
On Sunday, Pantasy 2025, hosted at Mille Fleurs in Port of Spain, sought to educate and entertain visitors.
Public Relations Officer for Pan Trinbago, Kwesi Moore, who dubbed the instrument “a gift to the world,” said the event is one that helps preserve the history of our national instrument.
“It is no coincidence that the celebration is housed within one of our nation’s architectural jewels. Just as Mille Fleurs preserves our historical grandeur in stone, the National Trust preserves the heartbeat of our heritage, and the steelpan is the pulsing soul of that story.”
Mr. Moore not only applauded the national significance of the instrument but also praised the efforts of past and present generations who played a crucial part in keeping steelpan alive.
“This collaboration is more than an exhibition. It is a love letter to our culture, our resilience, and the genius of our people. It is a tribute to the hands that forged instruments from fire, to the minds that transformed rhythm into revolution, and to the communities that kept the sound of the pan alive across generations.”
President of the Steelpan Manufacturers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago, Michael Cooper, who dubbed T&T “the steelpan capital of the world,” said the organisation is helping to preserve and represent steelpan manufacturers across the country.
“Most of Trinidad and Tobago, and I mean the vast majority of Trinidad and Tobago, they hear pan and love pan but generally don’t know where these pans come from. They don’t know how the pans are made. They might hear some stories about it, but I think the enjoyment is such that they don’t bother too much with that, but it is important that we know this because if this does not happen and if it does not happen properly, all these wonderful instruments and the music that we are hearing will be at risk.”
Pantasy 2025, themed “From roots to resonance, echoing across generations and nations” is in honour of World Steelpan Day celebrated on August 11th.