Where Innovation Meets Heritage: Steelpan’s Evolving Voice on WACK 90.1 FM

This post first appeared on Sokah2Soca, where Caribbean music meets wit, rhythm, and real talk. Island Vybe Radio spins the tunes—we decode the culture.

 

Wheel and Come Again delivers another sonic gem! For today's installment, we are bathing in the sunshine glow of the National Instrument—the Steelpan. However, there is a twist... a synthesized sound!

 

In our latest feature from WACK Radio 90.1 FM, International DJ Mr. Desmond takes us on a fascinating journey through the soundscape of Andy Narell's interpretation of Voice’s blazing hit, “Fire Go Bun Dem,” set on the Upendo Riddim. But the performance wasn’t just music—it was a masterclass in subtlety and innovation.

 

First, Mr. Desmond dropped the version crafted with synthesized pan, generated using a computer app—an unexpected twist in digital steelpan artistry. Then he played the traditional steelpan rendition of the same track, also by Narell. At first glance, the difference was almost indiscernible. But as the rhythms unfurled, the unmistakable sweetness of live steelpan emerged, breathing warmth, nuance, and cultural resonance into every note.

 

For 17 minutes, we were invited to listen deeply, reflect on the evolution of pan music, and celebrate the artistry that bridges tradition and technology.

 

Whether you're a traditional pan enthusiast or intrigued by digital possibilities, this segment serves as a reminder that authenticity matters, and steelpan, in all its manifestations, remains vibrant.

 

Panyard Vibes salutes Andy Narell, Mr. Desmond, and WACK Radio for curating this moment of musical reflection.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Fire Go Bun Dem 

Artist/Performed by: Voice 

Steelpan: Andy Narell

DJ at the Control Board: Desmond Peters aka Mr. Desmond

Radio Station: WACK Visual Radio 90.1 FM

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: Steelband Music 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Pan Yard lime, where rhythm lives. Steelband and Calypsos provide the Steelband pulse year-round, not just during Carnival. 🌴✨ Help elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word. 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

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Sokah2Soca · Wheel and Come Again #7: Steelpan Magic on WACK Radio 90.1FM with Mr. Desmond

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A Night of Pure Pan Brilliance as Exodus Defends Their Crown

Damion says when the music is sweet, it is "Pan in Yuh Pwefen," and yes, it was a night of sweet steelpan music. In the end, we have to say, sorry All Stars, Renegades, and Silver Stars—we look to the East once again for the champion large Steelband.

Wow—what a finish. The point differences tonight were astounding, and for the first time in years, the score sheets showed no ties. Just one point separated band after band, keeping the entire Savannah on edge until the very last moment.

Ultimately, Republic Bank Exodus maintained their composure and emerged victorious, demonstrating once more the profound influence of discipline, creativity, and Eastern pride within the panyard.

Tonight, we witnessed the full power of Steelband music—precision, passion, and pure Trinbago brilliance. From the initial roll to the concluding cadenza, every orchestra infused the stage with their unique energy, creating a night that will linger in every pan enthusiast's memory.

The first two bands were electric, with Massy Trinidad All Stars receiving a standing ovation and extended applause. Renegades provided a powerful sound on stage, while Exodus also left a lasting impression. Then again, Nutrien Silver Stars wowed with their rendition of "Respectfully Yours," sung by Full Blown. 

Online chat bush judges were busy picking winners and providing reasons for favorites not making it to the top three places. Having said that, it was an amazing night, and, in the end, steelband music lovers enjoyed it all. 

The lineup/order of appearance was nothing short of historic:

• First Citizens Supernovas with Rum & Coca-Cola—Kes—arranged by Amrit Samaroo
• Massy Trinidad All Stars with The Will—Scrunter—arranged by Dr. Leon “Smooth” Edwards
• BP Renegades with The Lizard—Mighty Sparrow—arranged by Duvonne Stewart
• Proman Starlift with Last Train—Mical Teja—arranged by Dante Pantin
• Nutrien Silver Stars with Respectfully—Yours Full Blown—arranged by Ojay Richards
• Phase II Pan Groove with Trouble—Freetown Collective—arranged by Dr. Len “Boogsie” Sharpe
• T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps with Last Train—Mical Teja—arranged by Clarence Morris
• Desperadoes with We Calypso—Karene Asche x Mical Teja—arranged by Carlton “Zanda” Alexander
• Republic Bank Exodus with Cyah Behave—Voice—arranged by Terrance “BJ” Marcelle
• Katzenjammers with Too Young to Soca—Machel Montano—arranged by Kersh Ramsey
• Skiffle with Cyah Behave—Voice—arranged by Andre White

In the end, after a night of musical brilliance and heart‑pounding performances, Republic Bank Exodus managed to hold their nerve and edge out BP Renegades by the slimmest of margins, with Nutrien Silver Stars—a true crowd favorite—claiming a powerful and well‑earned third place just one point behind Renegades. Call it the panorama of one point of separation!

A repeat victory for Exodus, a fierce challenge from Renegades, and a triumphant return to the podium for Silver Stars. This was Panorama at its absolute best.

The results were as follows:

1. Republic Bank Exodus with Cyah Behave—Voice—Terrance “BJ” Marcelle—289
2. BP Renegades with The Lizard—Mighty Sparrow—Duvonne Stewart—288
3. Nutrien Silver Stars with Respectfully—Yours Full Blown—Ojay Richards—287
4. Desperadoes with We Calypso—Karene Asche x Mical Teja—Zanda—284
5. Massy Trinidad All Stars with The Will—Scrunter—"Smooth" Edwards—283
6. Skiffle with Cyah Behave—Voice—Andre White—282
7. Katzenjammers with Too Young to Soca—Machel Montano—Kersh Ramsey—281
8. Phase II Pan Groove with Trouble—Freetown Collective—Boogsie—280
9. T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps with Last Train—Mical Teja—Clarence Morris—278
10. Proman Starlift with Last Train—Mical Teja—Dante Pantin—277
11. First Citizens Supernovas with Rum & Coca-Cola—Kes—Amrit Samaroo—274

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Calypso Dial, where rhythm lives. Steelband and Calypso music pulse year‑round, not only at Carnival. 🌴✨ Help elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word. 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

This music is presented for your listening pleasure and promotional use only, in accordance with the “Fair Use” Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

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Now experience the entire competition via WeCapture sound recordings.

WeCapture.... Panorama Live · 2026 Large Band_Finals_Panorama_QUICK_MIX

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First Citizens Supernovas Ignite Iron Park 2026 with Pure Panyard Energy

Once again, the First Citizens Supernovas Steel Orchestra delivered an unforgettable performance at Iron Park 2026. Once again, the band never fails to deliver an unforgettable performance filled with pure panyard vibes. Just look at how the music lifts the entire space—how every rhythm, every break, every iron clang brings the crowd to life. This is the kind of musical excitement that makes Iron Park a must‑watch event and an unforgettable experience for everyone lucky enough to be there.

The powerful rhythms, vibrant melodies, and infectious energy transformed the park into a full celebration of culture, music, and togetherness. Every beat told a story. Every note sparked joy. Every moment reminded us why steelpan has resonated with successive generations and why live steelband performance remains one of the most electrifying expressions of Caribbean creativity.

Supernovas didn’t just perform—they commanded the space. Supernovas transformed Iron Park into a vibrant, dynamic environment, with music enveloping the audience and drawing everyone into the enthralling atmosphere. It was culture in motion, community in harmony, and steelpan at its absolute best.

Iron Park 2026 belongs to the memories now—but the energy Supernovas brought will echo long after the last note fades.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Event Title: Iron Park 2026

Performed by: Supernovas

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Steelband Music 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Panyard lime, where rhythm lives. Steelband and Calypsos provide the steelband pulse year-round, not just during Carnival. 🌴✨ Help elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word. 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).

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Supernovas Bring Pan and DJ Fire to Iron Park 2025

Image via YouTube video © Supernovas Steel Orchestra.

What an incredible sight. This might be the most exciting event we’ve seen for Carnival 2025, and it proves—without question—that the steelpan belongs in fetes just as much as it does on the Panorama stage. Tonight, we’re leaving everything on the floor and letting the hype man lift you straight into pan heaven and pure party vibes.

The rhythms are vibrant, the melodies are sweet, and the energy pulls everyone into a euphoric groove. As the steelpan rings out, the crowd moves as one—caught up in the joy, the pulse, and the magic of the moment.

It’s total vibes: DJ fire, a hype man in full command, and the unmistakable sound of the Supernovas Steel Orchestra driving the session. The atmosphere is electric. People sway, jump, and wave as the music takes over, united in celebration and wrapped in the kind of energy only a live steelband performance can deliver.

YouTube Video Notes:

"What an amazing and unforgettable experience! For the very first time, the vibrant sounds of Supernovas Steel Orchestra light up Iron Park 2025, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and excitement. The energetic rhythms of steel pan music fill the air as patrons enjoy an incredible fusion of culture, innovation, and celebration that will leave you smiling."

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Production Notes/Music Credits:

Event: Iron Park 2025

Steelband: Supernovas Steel Orchestra

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: Steelband Music/Soca

We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.

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Barrel Live on WACK Visual Radio 90.1 FM with Mr. Desmond

Image via Bing/LunaPic adjusted.

Sunday afternoons are always special, especially in the Caribbean. Relaxing on a Sunday afternoon under the shade of a mango tree in a back yard in sweet Trinidad and Tobago is very normal. It gets even better with the sweet soothing sound of the national instrument. Today, Mr. Desmond, while hosting on WACK Radio 90.1 Visual Radio, played two steelpan tracks that forced me to reminisce about home. In spite of the fact that I live in New York City, the two steelpan tracks made me feel like I was home, enjoying that sweet tropical breeze that we take for granted so often. 

For those of us living abroad, it brought back sweet memories and captured a time well spent under that shady tree in our beloved homeland. The songs selected for this musical segment felt really good prompting this post. 'Oye Como Va' played by Pamberi Steel Orchestra and 'If I Never See You Again' by Robert Greenidge are just wonderful selections. We think you will love it... Deso's 'barrel' selections were superb!

Let us promote the culture of the Caribbean diaspora:

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Production Notes/Music Credits:

Post Title: Barrel on WACK Visual Radio 90.1 FM
Radio Personality: Mr. Desmond

Featured Songs: 

Oye Como Va 
If I Never See You Again

Played by: 

Pamberi Steel Orchestra
Robert Greenidge

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We don't own this music, and it is presented here for entertainment use only. We encourage you to promote the artists and their music; please don't download and share the music and rob the artists of needed income! Purchased music should be treated as personal property and not be shared, while music distributed for promotional purposes should be treated as such.

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Sokah2Soca · Barrel on WACK Visual Radio 90.1 FM | Mr. Desmond

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Site Under Construction - Pan in Yuh Pwefen Coming Soon

Yes, we are diligently working in the background to bring Panyard Vibes to life. The links are coming together, the stories are lining up, and the rhythm is building—but we’re not quite ready to take the stage just yet.

If you’ve landed here, we’re glad you did! This page is our way of saying: we’re not there yet, but we'd rather show you something." Consider this page your sneak peek at something special.

We’re still populating content for Panyard vibes while writing and posting to Sokah2Soca and Kaiso Dial, and it’s going to take a little more time to get everything just right. So please be patient with us—and thank you for stopping by, even before the official launch.

We are  now working on the Navigation Bar uploading Pages information. As mentioned, it is a work in progress. We already have posts done for daily posting but will not post until we are satisfied with our content. 

If you have have any suggestions, or want to become a part of the process, please reach out to us via email ananda2456@gmail.com. 

Sweet Steelpan music is coming to blogger soon. The curtain’s about to rise. Stay tuned.

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