Steelpan, The National Instrument.

In 1963, with the introduction of panorama in Trinidad and Tobago, the transition of steelpan has made stride from the panyard to some of the most prestigious concert halls throughout the world.

Today’s steelpans have advanced from the discarded 55 gallons oil drum to the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago declared by the late Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Mr. Patrick Manning on August 13, 1992. The national instrument has grown exponentially in stature that there are steelband orchestras in the Americas, Asia, South Africa and Europe.

The conception of this musical talent is attributed to the ingenuity of the African working class as entertainment and cultural expression of their musical heritage. The evolution of the steelband is still unknown, but there is a general consensus that the transition from bamboo to metal occurred in 1935. 

                                 

This versatile musical instrument (steelpan) was the only non-electric musical instrument invented in the twentieth century and has made a tremendous impact on Trinbagonians culture. This instrument is most prevalent during Trinidad Carnival, especially in Panorama. Do you think that the steelpan has place Trinidad and Tobago on the global map????????