Pan 'Jumbie lures Aiko

WHEN Japanese pannist Aiko Sugano heard pan for the first time seven years ago she fell in love with it, so much so that tears came to her eyes. The sprightly Sugano had heard it on the bp Renegades CD Bump and Wine. From that day on, she committed herself to learning to play the pan. “I was really emotionally struck by the sound of the steelband which also led me to fall in love with calypso rhythms,” said the Tokyo resident who came to Newsday offices accompanied  by Japanese music producer Yoh Watanabe. Watanabe acted as a translator for her during the interview although her English was quite good.  Sugano, 35, whose first name means “lovely,” plays with National Steelband champions Exodus Steel Orchestra. “Everything was a coincidence really because I got a tenor pan from the Pamberi Steel Orchestra during their Japanese summer tour. I started to play it but not very well at first. I never played a musical instrument before, however, I didn’t like the fact that I couldn’t play pan well. So, I decided to come down to TT to learn to play it properly.”

This she did in 1997, again in 1998, 1999 and now in 2004. Her personal journeys of pan development, together with determination, turned her into a first-rate tenor pan player. Sugano’s first experience playing in a TT steelband was with Moods Steel Orchestra. She joined Exodus in 2003. “Last year, Exodus came to tour Japan in July and August and I was recruited to be a part of the steelband but as a master of ceremonies and a singer. That’s how I first met the players in the steelband.” Before this professional entertainer became a pan player, she was a pop singer in Japan. “Someday, I’d like to sing calypso and soca as well.” She is enjoying every minute of being a part of Exodus despite the long hours of nightly practice.

“Exodus is a great band and I’m having a great experience with them. The practice sessions are not easy and I admire the effort and hard work they put into the music. I’m proud to be a part of Exodus and I’m hoping that we would top the National Steelband finals.” The language barrier was not a significant factor during the practice sessions because, for her, music is an international language which all the band members understand. “I had some problems initially but I play from the heart and the other Exodus players know this and appreciate this so it’s not really a big problem. They are also very kind and friendly to me and always help me.”

She revealed that in Japan there are ten, big steelbands playing there. She plays sometimes with a combined band of six or seven other musicians. “As part of making my livelihood in Japan, I sing and play pan at weddings, parties and other functions.” Both of her parents are retired office workers. “I have one older sister who is married to a Pakistani gentleman. She works in a geriatric home taking care of the elderly. Both of them live in Japan.” Sugano intends to continue playing pan and developing her skills, especially as part of the big steelbands that she loves playing in. “I want to make pan into my life’s work.” Her fascination for TT’s culture doesn’t just extend to its music but to its cuisine as well because she loves the food. “Ah, the food, it’s very nice.” Come early March, she would be leaving for Japan but plans to return to TT. “I hope so, to come back soon.” Her travels to TT is all in keeping with one of her other personal dreams, which is to become a Trinidadian. Any which way you take it, she has already become one.