Last night on WACK Visual Radio, Mr. Desmond threw out an intriguing challenge to the listening public.
He challenged the listening audience to envision a time when steelbands played a pivotal role in carnival events, a time when individuals would don their finest party attire, cover the entrance fee, and spend the entire evening dancing to the captivating melodies of steelband music.
The question was simple:
If a steelband was hired to perform at a party today, would you support the event? Would you come out and fête to steelpan music?
To spark the conversation, Mr. Desmond played a steelband version of KC and the Sunshine Band’s classic, “How About a Little Love.” Then he challenged listeners to call in and identify which steelband orchestra was performing the tune.
Several callers tried… but no one could identify the band.
So today on Panyard Vibes, we’re featuring that very clip from WACK Visual Radio.
We considered challenging you similarly, but we had to upload the track to SoundCloud with the song name. So, we spilled the beans in that regard. But listen and enjoy.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
A Test: Panyard Vibes Challenge
Hosted by Mr. Desmond on WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Steelband Music 🎶
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Panyard Lime, where rhythm lives. Steelbands 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 can’t leave out the nursery pool of steelbands in this country. The young performers stepped up beautifully, delivering their best with heart and discipline. Although they may not yet possess the same level of enthusiasm as the older kids, their enthusiasm is evident. We salute the next generation—and the dedicated people guiding them toward excellence in steelpan music.
Drumroll… Congratulations to St. Margaret’s Boys’ Anglican Steel Orchestra on capturing first place at the National Primary Schools Panorama Finals, 2026. We applaud every band that took the stage and all those who continue to support, mentor, and represent our national instrument with pride.
The results were as follows: School/Name of Song/Singer/Points Scored
01. St. Margaret's Boys' Anglican School Steel Orchestra - Voice - Year for Love - 279 points 02. Febeau Government Primary Steel Orchestra—266 points 03. San Fernando Boys' RC Steel Orchestra - Explainer—Lorraine—265 points 04. St Paul's Anglican Primary—262 points 05. Guaico Presbyterian School—257 points 06. Escallier Anglican Primary—254 points
07. Barataria Anglican Primary—242 (tie for 7th place)
07. Nelson Street Boys' RC—242 (tie for 7th place)
07. Success RC Primary—242 points (tie for 7th place)
10. St. Patrick's Newtown Boys and Girls—236 points
11. Bethlehem Boys’ and Girls’ RC Primary—235 points 12. Morvant Anglican Steel Orchestra—232 point
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: Secondary Schools Panorama Finals
Date: 01/19/2026
Streaming Service: "I am living my life."
Competition Venue: Skinner Park, San Fernando
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Steelband Music 🎶
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Panyard Lime, where rhythm lives. Steelbands 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.
School days are indeed happy days, and we can all relate to this fact. Participation in events makes those school days memorable indeed, as they foster camaraderie and create lasting friendships among students. However, the Secondary Schools Panorama competition shapes those memories not only through joy but also through intense musical rivalry. Young pan players pour their hearts into every note, pushing themselves and their bands toward excellence.
A school from a so-called "country district" brings a unique sense of satisfaction when it excels and surpasses institutions from more urban, better-resourced areas. Victories like these remind us that talent, discipline, and passion can outshine reputation and funding any day.
We should applaud those responsible for the success of these impressionable minds. The arrangers, tutors, teachers, and all who work quietly behind the scenes play an essential role in shaping these performances. Their dedication ensures that the next generation of pannists will not only perform with brilliance but will also be musically literate—able to read, interpret, and arrange music, carrying the artform forward with confidence and skill.
When the final notes faded and the judges’ scores were tallied, Holy Faith Convent of Penal emerged as the 2026 champions, earning 257 points and finishing 17 points ahead of Presentation College.
Below is the order of appearance and the results for the top four bands.
We’re also grateful that I Am Living My Life was on hand to capture these outstanding performances. Thanks to their work, we’re able to bring the music directly to Panyard Vibes for your listening pleasure.
So settle in, enjoy the performances, and join us in celebrating the well‑deserved victory of Holy Faith Convent of Penal, champions of the Secondary Schools Panorama 2026.
Secondary schools finalists (order of appearance): Band/Song Played
Georgian Knight Steel Orchestra—Mas Go Play.
Presentation College Steel Orchestra—Fallin’.
NAPS Combined (Naparima Girls’ & Naparima College)—Peace of Mind.
Speyside/Roxborough Secondary—Blessing.
La Romaine Secondary—Jamtown.
Waterloo Secondary – Cocoa Tea.
PVille Panjammers (Pleasantville Secondary)—Cheers to Life.
The Brazil Pan Warriors—Take Me Home.
Diego Martin North Steel Orchestra—Take Me Home.
Holy Faith Convent, Penal Steel Orchestra—Live Yuh Life (Like Yuh Playing Mas)—Kes ft. David Rudder.
Final Results/Scores:
Holy Faith Convent, Penal—Live Yuh Life (Like Yuh Playing Mas)—274 points.
Presentation College, San Fernando—257 points.
NAPS Combined—former champions (2019, 2023) placed in the top three.
Pleasantville (PVILLE Panjammers)—252 points.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: Secondary Schools Panorama Finals
Date: 01/19/2026
Streaming Service: "I am Living my Life."
Competition Venue: Skinner Park, San Fernando
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.
Something different unfolded this year in the Junior Panorama calendar. Instead of the usual staggered schedule, both the Under‑19 and Under‑21 categories held their finals together on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. The Schools' Panorama Finals are still scheduled for Monday, January 19, but the youth bands showcased their talents a day earlier.
This post highlights the Under‑19 Finals, where St. Francois Valley Stars delivered a winning performance that captured the judges’ attention and the audience’s hearts. Their musical execution and youthful energy earned them the top spot in a competitive field. You can explore the music and judge the performances for yourself, as we list the full results for the category below.
Youth Panorama continues to evolve, and this year’s shift in scheduling gave the Under‑19 (players aged 18 and younger) and Under‑21 (players aged 20 and younger) players their spotlight—a well‑deserved moment for the next generation of pan excellence, showcasing their talent and potential in front of a larger audience.
The recording presented here from WeCapture showcases the top three places for the competition. There was a tie for second place. The results are posted here.
National Junior Panorama Under 19 Finals 2026 Results:
1st—St. Francois Valley Stars—Too Own Way—Aaron "Voice" St. Louis—277 Points
2nd—Bishop Anstey & Trinity College East Steel Orch—Aaron "Voice" St. Louis—274 Points
2nd—Sapphonic Steel Orchestra—Jamtown—Coutain x Tano—274 Points
4th—BARS of Steel—Jamtown—Coutain x Tano—273
5th—Knights of Steel—The Bee's Melody—Aldwyn "Lord Kitchener" Roberts—270
8th—East P.O.S. Stars Steel Orchestra—Jamtown—Coutain x Tano—263
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Panorama 2026: National Junior Panorama Finals
Recorded by WeCapture
Posted to SoundCloud
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Steelband Music 🎶
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.
The Junior Steelband Panorama is more than a competition—it’s a nursery for the next generation of pan players. Today, we celebrate the bands and music that made the 2026 finals unforgettable. The champions will hold their crown until King Carnival returns in 2027, but this victory has already planted seeds of ambition, inspiring young musicians to strive for excellence in their craft.
This year’s event may not have matched the scale of previous editions—due to financial and logistical constraints—but the love for steelpan was unmistakable. You could see it in every participant's face, proud to be part of a moment that will echo through pan history.
We applaud the youth, the dedicated adults, and the financially responsible organizers who made this celebration possible. The support of established steelbands played a vital role, offering instruments, mentorship, and encouragement that deepened appreciation for the art form and welcomed more young people into the fold.
To all who participated: bravo. To the victorious band: hearty congratulations. More importantly, congratulations to Shell Invaders Youth Steel Orchestra for winning this year's competition. Keep the vibe alive, because as we love to say here at Panyard Vibes—It Iz We Ting!
Top four places are as follows:
1. Shell Invaders Youth Orchestra—Band From Space—Edwin Ayoung aka Crazy
2. bp Renegades Youth Orchestra—Jamtown—Dennzil Nigel Coutain
3. Supernovas Youth Orchestra—Ah Feel To Party—Dr. Leroy Caliste aka Black Stalin
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: Junior Panorama Finals
Recorded by: WeCapture—SoundCloud Panorama Live Portal
Where: De Savannah, Port of Spain
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Steelband 🎶
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 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.
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:
Republic Bank Exodus with Cyah Behave—Voice—Terrance “BJ” Marcelle—289
BP Renegades with The Lizard—Mighty Sparrow—Duvonne Stewart—288
Nutrien Silver Stars with Respectfully—Yours Full Blown—Ojay Richards—287
Desperadoes with We Calypso—Karene Asche x Mical Teja—Zanda—284
Massy Trinidad All Stars with The Will—Scrunter—"Smooth" Edwards—283
Skiffle with Cyah Behave—Voice—Andre White—282
Katzenjammers with Too Young to Soca—Machel Montano—Kersh Ramsey—281
Phase II Pan Groove with Trouble—Freetown Collective—Boogsie—280
T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps with Last Train—Mical Teja—Clarence Morris—278
Proman Starlift with Last Train—Mical Teja—Dante Pantin—277
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.
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.
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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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
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