Since 1963, the Panorama music competition has been a significant event in the Carnival celebrations of Trinidad and Tobago. The competition, which features steelbands from across the country, has become a cultural institution and a source of national pride. The history of the Trinidad Steel Band Panorama competition is a fascinating story of creativity, innovation, and community.

The first official Panorama competition was held during the Carnival celebrations in 1963. Over the years, the competition has grown in size and scope, attracting thousands of participants and spectators. Today, the Panorama competition is the premier steelband competition in Trinidad and Tobago, and it continues to be a major highlight of the Carnival season.

The history of the Trinidad Steel Band Panorama competition is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. The competition has played a significant role in the development of the country’s music and culture, and it remains an important part of the national identity. This article will explore the history of the Panorama competition, from its origins in the 1960s to its current status as a world-renowned cultural event.

Origins of Steel Band Music in Trinidad

The history of the Trinidad Steel Band Panorama competition dates back to the 1940s. The steel band, also known as a steel drum band or pan band, originated in Trinidad and Tobago, a small island nation located in the southern Caribbean Sea. The steel band is a percussion ensemble that is made up of various types of steel drums, which are also known as pans. The pans are made from oil drums that have been hammered and tuned to produce different notes.

Early Origins

The origins of steel band music can be traced back to the African diaspora and the colonial history of Trinidad and Tobago. During the 19th century, Trinidad and Tobago was a British colony and was home to a large population of enslaved Africans who were brought to the island to work on sugar plantations. The enslaved Africans brought with them their own musical traditions, which included drumming and percussion.

Drumming was an important part of African religious and cultural practices, and the enslaved Africans used drumming as a way to communicate with each other and to express their emotions. However, the British colonial authorities saw drumming as a threat and banned it. The enslaved Africans were forced to find new ways to express themselves musically, and they turned to bamboo sticks, which they used to create rhythms and melodies.

Evolution of Steel Pans

By the early 20th century, the bamboo bands had evolved into steel bands. The first steel pans were created in the 1930s, when musicians began experimenting with different types of metal to create new sounds. The first steel pans were made from biscuit tins, but musicians soon began using oil drums, which were more durable and produced a better sound.

The steel pan was invented by a man named Winston “Spree” Simon, who is considered to be the father of the modern steel pan. Simon was a musician who played in bamboo bands, but he was frustrated by the limitations of the bamboo sticks. He began experimenting with different types of metal and eventually created the first steel pan.

The steel band became an important part of Trinidadian culture and was embraced by people of all classes and backgrounds. The steel band was especially popular during Carnival, a festival that takes place in Trinidad and Tobago every year. During Carnival, steel bands would compete against each other in a competition known as the Panorama. The Panorama competition became an important part of Trinidadian culture and is still held every year.

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Gary Trotman

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