In commemoration of World Steelpan Day, steelpan innovator Akua Leith said pride in Trinidad and Tobago’s status as the birthplace of the steelpan remains a powerful force behind the instrument’s growing global appeal and the industry’s advancement.
Mr Leith, the Managing Director of Musical Instruments of Trinidad and Tobago Company Limited (MITTCO), says the company has come a long way and continues to explore new opportunities, including expanding access to global markets.
“It’s a huge accomplishment. I always tell my peers let’s measure the progress and if we have to measure the progress from the 1930s to 2026, I think it has been tremendous. It’s bright. As an instrument, as a people, all the different support systems in which we see our artistes develop, our performers develop, our educators develop. I think Trinidad has to be very, very, very proud.”
Mr Leith credits his community-centred upbringing and parental guidance for instilling the strength and focus that helped him chart his path from the very beginning.
“That definitely made me the person who perseveres, the person who doesn’t see giving up as an option. That’s not even on the table and once there’s a vision, once there’s a goal and you stick to that goal and you move towards it, I mean nothing on this earth can stop that.”
With a foundation in place, he was then able to secure much-needed investment and provide the financial support required to accelerate the company’s growth and development.
“I think we were able to put together the right team. But beyond the vision, you need to have the right support. So the Hadad brothers and HADCO definitely came in to support as angel investors and started unfolding what MITTCO could have done. We are four years in. We have launched four pillars – the manufacturing, the education programme, the ensemble, and now we are at the point of unfolding that ensemble so great news to come in the future.”
While he sees endless opportunities in the creative industry, Mr Leith acknowledges that sustaining long-term success requires significant effort, particularly in developing markets and strategically expanding into them to ensure continued growth and viability well into the future.