HighLite Vibes Chatter

The steelpan no longer Trinidadian?

June 28, 2008 on 12:57 pm | In Steel Pan |

The steelpan instrument was invented in Trinidad and has its history and growth on several sites all over the internet. Trinidadians are among the best pan players in the world. However, what exactly ranks you among the best? Is it your level of skill or how many records you sell? How about how many fans you have? That could be an entire discussion in itself, but that’s not really what I want to talk about. Somehow, I have this feeling that the steelpan is no longer a “Trinidadian” or “West Indian” or “Caribbean” instrument. Yes how shocking is that - it caused quite a stirring debate with my trinidadian friends when I uttered those words but here’s why I say that.

When the steelpan started growing in popularity, I am sure it was the vision of many pioneers to share this part of their culture with as many persons they could in the world. However, once more individuals and countries started embracing the instrument, its identity became blurred and it is categorized more and more as a musical instrument rather than a “trinidadian instrument.” For example, where was the flute invented? Or where was the clarinet, oboe, trumpet invented? The “ordinary man” most likely cannot answer these questions but yet these instruments are always present in a standard orchestra and are known around the world.

My point is this, for the Steelpan to become even more standardized, it may have to let go of its roots and this might not be a bad thing even though so many Trinidadians do dread it, I say relax, we’re going to come and go - but the steelpan will remain here…yes its already entering into that eternal musical instrument home - (The symphony Orchestra)

Check out this clip of steelpan and orchestra from HighLite Vibes here.