The Single Pan preliminary competition for Panorama got underway in Tobago where three bands are taking part in the competition. Judges from Pan Trinbago visited the island and heard from the bands on Friday. Here is more from Kandace Jackson.
Metro Stars Steel Orchestra placed 3rd in last year’s Single Pan Panorama and they are hoping to maintain that position or do better this year. Band Manager Steve Jack said they are confident, after choosing the Mighty Sparrow’s “Jean and Dinah” for their song this year
“We are playing Jean and Dinah, one of Sparrow’s classic and we think this year we should pay tribute to Sparrow because as you know he has recently passed and so on and the contribution he has made to Calypso and to Trinidad and Tobago, we think that we should pay homage to him.”
It was arranged by Kersh Ramsey and captained by Bertlyln Abraham.
Another band in competition is Hope Pan Groovers. They placed 4th in the finals last year. Band Manager Omari Douglas said their song of choice this year is “Big Truck” by Machel Montano and Xtatik.
“Always confident, it’s Hope Pan Groovers so you know, we have been back in competition for about three years now, this is our third year back in competition and we have been consistently in the finals since that point onward and we intend to maintain that.”
The tune was arranged by Steffon West and the band is captained by Christopher Hall.
The third band from Tobago aiming for a spot in the semi-finals is Natural Mystic Steel Orchestra. They performed “Small Pin” by Alston “Becket” Cyrus. It was arranged by Mickel Gabriel and captained by Kerrese Hamilton.
Manager Rickie Williams is confident in their performance but admitted it has been tough working with the pannists in Patience Hill without a home for their band.
“Sometimes it does be tiring because you know the band is not sponsored. So you does have to fend for yourself, but the most times you does depend on the little assistance from the government because right now the band not really have a good stage side because when you have a good stage side you could perform gigs and thing but we working on that.”
All bands expressed similar sentiments, calling for more support and sponsorship to grow bands in the communities around the island. In the meantime, judging for single pan in different regions around Trinidad continue.