If you missed the National Panorama semi-finals for the medium and large conventional steelbands in Trinidad, you missed a spectacular display of musical talent and creativity. The steelpan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, was showcased in all its glory as 14 medium and 16 (actually 15 with Harmonites withdrawal) large steel orchestras competed for a spot in the finals. The event, which was held at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on Sunday, January 28, 2024, was broadcast live on TTT and Radio 91.1 FM1 with PPV via WACK Radio/TV 90.1 FM.
The semi-finals featured some of the best steelpan arrangers in the world, who crafted innovative and captivating renditions of popular calypso and soca songs. Some of the highlights included:
Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra wowed the crowd with their performance of “Rock It” by Merchant, arranged by Kersh Ramsey. The band demonstrated their musicality and flair, which catapulted them to the top of the medium-conventional bands with a score of 276 points.
BP Renegades set the bar high with their performance of “DNA” by Mical Teja, arranged by Duvonne Stewart. The band delivered a flawless and energetic interpretation of this nationalistic song, with intricate harmonies, dynamic contrasts, and rhythmic variations.
Massy Trinidad All Stars impressed the judges and the audience with their rendition of “Inventor” by Olatunji, arranged by Leon "Smooth" Edwards. The band showcased their versatility and skill with their performance. In third place was Republic Bank Exodus, the top performer from the preliminary round of competition. These bands will be 'gunning' for BP Renegades in the finals.
The results of the semi-finals were announced shortly after the last band performed, and the top ten bands in each category advanced to the finals.
The Medium Conventional Bands finals will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago. The finalists are:
Medium Category:
- Katzenjammers - Rock It - 276 PointsRe
- NGC Couva Joylanders - Soca Tatie - 272
- Curepe Scherzando - Darling - 270
- Pamberi Steel Orchestra - Carnival Jumbie - 269
- Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille - Moving - 268
- Pan Elders Steel Orchestra - Come Out To Play - 266
- Dixieland Steel Orchestra - This Melody Sweet - 265
- Arima Angel Harps - Is Thunder - 261
- NGC Steel Xplosion - Both Ah Dem - 260
- Sangre Grande Cordettes - Soca Baptist - 259
- NGC La Brea Nightingales - Nah Leaving - 256
- Tornadoes - Engine Room - 255
- Tunapuna Tipica - Rant and Rave - 254
The Large Conventional Bands finals will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad. The finalists are:
Large Category:
- BP Renegades - DNA - 282
- Massy Trinidad All Stars - Inventor - 281
- Republic Bank Exodus - Long Time - 279
- T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps -DNA - 275
- Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra - Free Up - 275
- Proman Starlift Steel Orchestra - Pan in 'A' Minor - Remastered - 275
- Desperadoes Steel Orchestra - DNA - 275
- HADCO Phase II Pan Groove - Gimme Everything - 275
- NLCB Fonclaire Steel Orchestra - This Party is It - 274
- Nutrien Silverstars - Inventor - 273
- First Citizens Supernoval Steel Orchestra - Wet Me Down - 273
- Heritage Petroleum Skiffle Steel Orchestra - Nah Leaving - 272
- Heritage Petroleum Siparia Deltones - Fire Coming Down - 269
- RBC Redemption Sound Setters - DNA - 268
The finals promise to be an exciting and memorable event, as the best steelbands in the country vie for the coveted title of National Panorama Champion 2024 for both categories. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the beauty and brilliance of the steelpan, the pride of Trinidad and Tobago.
Both finals will be broadcast via Talkcity Radio 90.1 FM and TTT (for viewers in Trinidad and Tobago) and live via PPV on the internet via WACK Radio/TV.
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