Port-of-Spain's Victoria Square pulsated with the vibrant heartbeat of the steelpan last night as the National Small Conventional Steelpan Bands semi-finals brought thirty bands to the stage. From dusk till past midnight, the air hummed with anticipation, punctuated by the sweet, rhythmic symphony of the pan.

Though Motown Steel Orchestra, slotted at number six, opted out at the eleventh hour, twenty-nine bands battled it out, each vying for a coveted spot in the Panorama finals. The judges, tasked with the monumental responsibility of deciphering this tapestry of musical brilliance, deliberated until well after the clock struck twelve. Finally, at 1:15 am, the silence broke with the announcement of the fifteen finalists, sending waves of delight and, inevitably, whispers of disappointment throughout the square.

New East Side Dimension emerged victorious with their rendition of "Toco Band," arranged by Kersh Ramsey, earning them a resounding 277 points and the top spot. The crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating the band's mastery and the sheer joy of music that had transcended the late-night setting.

But as is the nature of any competition, discontentment murmured alongside the applause. Supporters of bands that narrowly missed the cut expressed their disappointment, a reminder of the immense pressure and sacrifice poured into each performance.

Yet, through it all, the undeniable magic of the pan reigned supreme. Every band, regardless of the score, poured their hearts onto the stage, weaving tales of cultural heritage and national pride through the resonant voices of their pans. They painted sonic landscapes, each note pulsating with the spirit of Trinidad and Tobago, leaving the audience breathless and yearning for more.

One thing is certain: the semi-final competition may be over, but the echoes of last night's performances will linger long after the final note fades. Victoria Square witnessed a celebration of the steelpan, a testament to the unwavering passion and dedication of steel band musicians who, year after year, breathe life into our national instrument.

Now, we turn our eyes to the finals, where fifteen bands will take to the stage, each vying for the ultimate prize. But regardless of who takes home the coveted title, one thing is clear: the journey to the finals has already been a victory for the pan, for music, and for the soul of Trinidad and Tobago.

So, let the pan reign supreme! On to the finals on January 12th. 2024 and let the sweet steel symphony continue!

Here are the results from last night's competition:

 1st. T&TEC New East Side Dimension - Toco Band - 277 points

 2nd. La Horquetta Pan Groove - Spring Garden On Fire - 274

 3rd. Fusion Steel - Free Up - 273

 3rd. Tokyo Steel Orchestra - Free Up - 273

 5th. Uptown Fascinators - Chutney Bacchanal - 272

 6th. Golden Hands Steel Orchestra - Tension - 272

 6th. T&T Defence Force - Ben Lion - 271

 8th. Arima Golden Symphony - Doh Back Back - 269

 8th. St. Margaret's Superstars - Somebody - 269

10th. Tobago Pan-Thers - Teaser - 267

11th. Fascinators Pan Symphony - Deputy - 266

11th. Panasonic Connection - Ragga Ragga - 266

13th. Harvard Harps - Dead or Alive - 265

13th. Our Boys - Say Say - 265

13th. Roadblock - Jahaji Bhai - 265

16th. Highlanders - Engine Room - 263

17th. Alpha Pan Pioneers - Both Ah Dem - 262

18th. West Stars - Sing In She Party - 260

19th. Nu Stars - We Just Can't Go On Like This - 257

20th. West Side Symphony - Free Up - 256

21st. Plymouth Steel/Bethesda Sensations - Is Thunder - 255

21st. Simple Song - Nah Leaving - 255

23rd. Kalomo Kings - Nobody Go Run Me - 255

24th. Crown Cordaans - Say Say - 253

24th. Cadenza Steel Orchestra - Engine Room - 253

26th. Augmented Groove Orchestra - Good Morning - 252

27th. Perfect Cadence - Guitar Pan - 251

28th. Old Tech Steel Orchestra - Spring Garden On Fire - 247

29th. Jay Notes - 235

Motown Steel Orchestra withdrew from the competition. They were originally scheduled to play in position number six.

 

The air crackled with anticipation as the National Small Steelbands Semi-finals blessed the island with sweet Steelpan music. In the heart of Port of Spain, Victoria Square pulsed with the vibrant rhythm of steel, ready to witness the National Small Steelbands Semifinal for the Panorama Competition. Thirty steel orchestras, representing the pulsating soul of Trinbagonian culture, prepared to unleash their musical firestorms.

Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Take up the role of the cultural vulture and disseminate this article among your acquaintances and on all social media channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on  FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Innoreader/RSS Feed, Threads, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.

 

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music, and it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.

 

The rhythmic tremors are starting to ripple across the globe – it's Soca season! And to prime your soul for the vibrant explosion of Carnival, the inimitable DJ Private Ryan has blessed us with his annual musical gift: "Soca Starter 2024." Soca Starter is a collection of the hottest and newest Soca tunes from various artists and producers, curated and mixed by DJ Private Ryan himself. It is the perfect way to get ready for the carnival season or to enjoy sweet Soca vibes anytime and anywhere.

Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Take up the role of the cultural vulture and disseminate this article among your acquaintances and on all social media channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on  FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Innoreader/RSS Feed, Threads, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.

 

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music, and it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.

 

If you are looking for a song that will make you want to dance, sing, and celebrate the spirit of Carnival, look no further than “Gimme Everything” by Len Boogsie Sharpe feat. Kes and Keshav. This song is a new calypso anthem for the Panorama Steel Band competition, which showcases the best steel bands in Trinidad and Tobago. This is the song to watch, this is "Gimme Everything" A New Calypso Anthem for Panorama.

Our mission is to advance music producers, performers, and Caribbean culture. Take up the role of the cultural vulture and disseminate this article among your acquaintances and on all social media channels. We are on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud. All our posts are available on  FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Innoreader/RSS Feed, Threads, and via Email Subscription. Thank you in advance.

 

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own the rights to this music, and it is presented here for promotional use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share them and rob the artists of needed income! I, nor this blog, make any claims of ownership over any of the videos, songs, photos, or graphics used for this post because they all belong to their respective owners.