‘Big 5’ launch at Savannah pan concert

Massy Trinidad All Stars, Desperadoes, bp Renegades, Republic Bank Exodus and Phase II Pan Groove in collaboration with HADCO have come together to form the Big 5 Steelband Foundation.

The bands say the foundation is aiming to promote more opportunities and international marketing for its members.

“The philosophy behind the collaboration of the world’s top five steel orchestras is based on surviving in today’s world which requires mutually beneficial partnerships to leverage creativity, experience and resources.” So stated a media release from the foundation.

“The aim of the foundation is to promote these opportunities for its members and to promote more collaboration between progressive bands throughout the year. It is also the foundation’s objective to include bands from across the globe and to market steelbands, the instrument (pan) and its members internationally,” the released said.

The five bands have dominated local and global pan competitions including the National Steelband Music Festival, the World Steelband Music Festival, Caribbean Panorama, World Panorama and the National Panorama competitions.

Together they have won the National Panorama 43 times out of the 56 years of competition since 1963.

The July 22 launch will feature the five foundation members along with other guest artistes in concert.

World-renowned arranger and composer Len “Boogsie” Sharpe will debut a special theme song for the foundation at the concert.

The release stated that further details about the Big 5 Foundation will be released at an upcoming media conference.

When contacted Len “Boogsie” Sharpe said he could not talk about the foundation and referred us to Exodus’ manager Ainsworth Mohammed but calls to both Mohammed and Massy Trinidad All Stars’ manager Nigel Williams went unanswered.