First Soca Played for Panorama #3
Recently, we spotlighted “I’m Not Drunk” by KMC as the first Soca song performed by a steelband at Trinidad’s Panorama competition. But thanks to the vibrant discussions on the "Steelpan Trivia & More" Facebook group, that claim is now under review.
Kenrick Mc David suggested that “Soca Jean” by Lord Kitchener—arranged by Carl Henderson & Keith McBurney—was played by Carib Tokyo in 1991. While we continue to investigate this claim, another contender has emerged.
David Goddard pointed us to “Jump and Mash Up D Party,” sung by Anselm Douglas and performed by TCL Skiffle Bunch in the 1995 Panorama Finals, arranged by the legendary Ken “Professor” Philmore. We have the receipts for this claim!
So for now, 1995 stands as the earliest confirmed Soca entry into Panorama—unless we can verify Soca Jean for 1991.
Something intriguing came to light during this search. Kenny Phillips, who initially provided us with "I'm Not Drunk" by KMC, totally forgot about "Jump and Mash Up D Party," a song that he arranged! This indicates that even music producers need to improve their management of music catalogs.
This isn’t just trivia—it’s a celebration of Soca’s journey into the steelpan arena. If you have any receipts, memories, or old cassette tapes, please feel free to share them with us. The culture deserves clarity.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Jump and Mash Up D Party
Artist/Performed by: Anselm Douglas
Arranged by: Kenny Phillips
Year 1995
Steelband: TCL Skiffle Bunch
Arranged by: Ken "Professor" Philmore
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca 🎶
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TCL Skiffle Bunch - Jump and Mash Up D Party