The Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain was filled with the sound of steelpan music on Saturday night as the best bands in the country competed for the coveted title of National Large Conventional Steelband Panorama Champion 2024. The event, which was broadcast live on local TV and online via TEGO TV (TTT) and PPV via WACK Radio/TV, attracted thousands of spectators and fans who cheered for their favorite steelband orchestras.
The competition featured 11 large bands, each playing a tune of their choice for a panel of judges. The bands were judged on criteria such as arrangement, performance, tone, and rhythm. The large bands category was especially fierce, as the defending champions, Renegades Steel Orchestra, faced off against rivals such as Desperadoes, Phase II Pan Groove, Massy Trinidad All Stars, and Exodus.
After a thrilling night of music and entertainment, the results were announced before an exuberant crowd comprised of rabid fans of the respective bands. The results saw a tie for first place with the bands that placed first and second in the semis: BP Renegades, last year's winner, and Massy Trinidad All Stary tied for first place with a score of 285 points. The third-place winner was Republic Band Exodus. There was a celebratory quietness and faded cheers as the results were announced.
There were two ties tonight, with Proman Starlift Steel Orchestra and Desperadoes Steel Orchestra tied for fourth place along with the tie for first place. Go figure out this one: Phase II Pan Groove played first and placed last; as a matter of fact, the first two bands that played last night placed at the bottom of the result list. Was it the fault of the radio stations that Boogsie's composition was not played enough for song familiarity with the nation, or was it a case of the judges just not appreciating the arrangement? Yes, there will surely be gnashing of teeth as players gather on Sunday to review the previous night's proceedings.
The winners received trophies, cash prizes, and the honor of being the best steelbands in the land. The panorama finals were a celebration of the culture and creativity of Trinidad and Tobago and a showcase of the talent and passion of the pannists. The event was a success, despite the surprise tie for first place and the financial challenges for these large steelbands, proving that their love for the Steelband prevailed, and it is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the people. Congratulations are extended to "BP Renegades and Massy All Stars" and their fans.
The results announced were as follows:
| Name of Band 01. BP Renegades 01. Massy Trinidad All Stars 03. Republic Band Exodus 04. Proman Starlift Steel Orchestra 04. Desperadoes Steel Orchestra 06. Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra 07. Nutien Silverstars 08. T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps 09. First Citizens Supernova Steel Orch. 10. Fonclaire Steel Orchestra 11. HADCO Phase II Pan Groove |
Name of Song 01. DNA 01. Inventor 03. Long Time 04. Pan in A Minor 04. DNA 06. Free Up 07. Inventor 08. DNA 09. Wet Meh Down 10. This Party is it 11. Gimme Everything |
Points 01. 285 01. 285 03. 283 04. 280 04. 280 06. 278.5 07. 277.5 08. 277 09. 276 10. 275 11. 274 |
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: National Panorama Finals, Large Bands Finals
Origin: Grand Stand, Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Genre: Steelband Music
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Panorama videos courtesy "I am living my life" YouTube Channel. Top YouTube videos as the finished. Bottom Soundcloud Player as they performed last night
