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An Interview with Musician, Performer and Steelband Arranger Duvone Stewart

A WST Exclusive with the panist and champion arranger

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Duvone Stewart

Global - Diligence, professionalism and consistency could be said to be just a few of the watchwords and hallmarks which guide the life of Tobago-born 33-year old steelpan musician, arranger and performing artist Duvone Stewart. And he has just capped his twenty-sixth year in pan with a never-before-achieved feat - claiming the championship in the Single Pan-band category for the fifth year running as arranger for La Horquetta Pan Groove out of east Trinidad. Duvone has also tasted victory in the small steel orchestra category in 2004 as arranger of Diego Martin-based Merrytones Steel Orchestra.

In this exclusive 2010 interview, When Steel Talks (WST) delves into the steelpan world of Duvone Stewart which, at a tender age, began with a discovery and love for the national instrument of his country. This passion was nurtured by his parents, who were both steelpan musicians.

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WST - “When did Duvone Stewart become involved in pan?”

Duvone - “After accompanying my parents - Curtis and Virginia Percival - to a steel orchestra practice one Saturday evening, I was enthused by what the people behind those instruments were doing. Some people were dancing and playing; some were singing and playing; my parents were smiling at each other and playing, and there was an arranger in front of the band conducting the proceedings. Curiously, while the band was on a break, I ran to my mom and asked her to borrow her sticks. After she explained to me how to hold the sticks, and, told me the name of the pan I was standing in front of – the tenor pan - I began to play around with the instrument. I lucidly remember my fingers tickling me immensely. Little did I know that I made a connection that would transform my life forever. In less than two hours of playing around with the instrument, I was able to play “Mary Had A Little Lamb” with my eyes closed. At the age of seven (7) I had become the centre of attention at my parents’ steel orchestra. I ended the practice that evening with my rendition of “Mary had a Little Lamb.”

“After seeing what I was able to accomplish in a short space of time, and hearing the rousing round of applause that I received, my mother, Virginia decided that she would allow me to join her band at age eight. My mom thought that ALL citizens of the island should master the instrument because it is the National instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, she knew that it would create an opportunity for me, who was very shy, to express myself. In this same year, I started playing with the Trintoc Tobago All Stars Steel Orchestra where I learned to master the instrument. My debut on the steel pan came in 1986 at the age of ten (10). I came first nationally in the ‘Children’s Twelve and Under Talent Competition.’”

WST - “Was being a professional steel pan musician your dream - as a career - when you were younger?”

Duvone - “As a little boy, my aim was to become a MUSICIAN. I started playing the piano and doing music theory with Mrs. Gwyneth Armstrong at the age of eight (8). I was totally mesmerised when I saw what Mrs. Armstrong did on the piano. However, also at that age when I was playing the steel pan, I unhesitatingly ‘divorced’ my love for the piano and more of my attention was given to the steel pan. I always envisioned myself as being a ‘professional musician.’ From then till now, I have been working assiduously in order accomplish this feat.”
WST - “You’ve arranged for both Single Pan bands and conventional steel orchestras for Panorama; how does that experience generally differ - from your perspective?”

Duvone - “I honestly believe that the experience is somewhat the same. A recipe of ‘Discipline, Dedication and Cooperation’ amongst all the stakeholders in the steel orchestra, makes the experience the same. However, the difference comes in doing an arrangement for a single pan band, that creates the same aura, impression and mesmerising effect, as a conventional band. I have learnt to be very creative with a single pan band; I have also learnt how to do a lot with the limitations that the single pan band poses. I must say thanks to my experience at La Horquetta Pan Groove, I have developed holistically. In both a Conventional and Single Pan band, I have been privileged to stand in front of orchestras and receive respect, because of the foundation I have built and the reputation that I have in this industry.”

WST - “You’re one the most respected young panists around; what has attributed to that rise?”

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Duvone - “This rise originated from a very solid foundation as a little boy. My mom, Virginia and dad, Curtis taught my brother Leku and me the importance of having belief in God to accomplish ALL things we put our minds to. Everyday, we had worship sessions, and I vividly remember ritualistically reciting ‘Philippians 4:13;’ yes - that was our motto. This firm belief in God was the salt in our daily lives. In addition, we were also taught to have discipline, and to have respect for mankind.”

“Late one evening, I was called by my father Curtis, who, after looking at one of my performances told me something that I would never forget. He said, ‘Duvone, remember: the meek shall inherit the earth, and to get to any height in this life you must be humble. Never forget that your attitude determines your altitude.’ Those words continue to resonate in my mind every single time I approach any venture. Lastly, I must say I am self-motivated, I believe in working extremely hard. I also believe in setting trends - and leaving my footprints. This task I believe I am handling quite well. With God’s help I will continue to rise and create a musical empire that is unparalleled to any other artiste that ever lived.”

WST - “What change(s) would you like to see most in the national Steelband music scene in Trinidad and Tobago?”

Duvone - “First of all, I would like the powers that be to have respect for our NATIONAL INSTRUMENT and ALL PAN MEN. Lack of respect for the instrument and the pan man is killing the art form. Not because this instrument originated on ‘the hills,’ means that it must be disrespected. Resulting from this blatant disrespect, the steel pan has been seemingly stagnant for many years. Only now, people are brave enough to highlight their creations. At this juncture, I must congratulate my friend Salmon Cupid for being a courageous young man with the guts to do everything possible to patent his creation, the E-Pan.”

“Why should a pan man wait for only Panorama to showcase his prowess on the instrument? Can the pan man boast of any other competition throughout the course of the year, that has such a handsome remuneration package of one million dollars (TT $1,000,000) for the first prize? This is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago and, I vehemently believe that more money should be injected into its development throughout the year.”

WST - “Are there any lessons learned (from your perspective) that you have observed on the international music scene, that may positively impact the steel band community and art form in Trinidad & Tobago?”

Duvone - “Internationally, people take the instrument seriously. They are mesmerised by the wonders of this instrument thus, they not only respect it and are eager to play it, but they are seeing how creative they can get with it. Trinbagonians need to realise that the gap between our panists, and those in the rest world, is narrowing. Seeing that we have not sold the steel pan in the way Jamaica has marketed its reggae to the world - we have to improve on our product, make our product standard, and invest not only time and energy but also money into our product.”

WST - “For the up-and-coming panists who might aspire to pursuing earning their living as an international steel pan performer/artiste - what advice would you give?”

Duvone - “All things are possible. Believe in yourself and believe in the beauty of your dreams. To be successful you must first believe in the higher power/being: God. Be humble, have discipline, be dedicated and maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. Never forget your value system. Where possible, marry the positive attributes of the various cultures you would interact with internationally, to those of your homeland. Remember that you would be competing against various acts of diverse cultures; it is very important to sell a unique, but very captivating product. If music is your heart’s desire and you are good at it, reach for the stars.”

WST - “You’ve traveled all over the world - what is your fondest memory to date?”

Duvone - “I must say in the Republic of Maldives. I had the privilege of being the first person that ever lived to carry the steel pan and steel pan music to Maldives. As a result, I was treated like a KING. I also had the honour of arranging the national anthem of Maldives and playing it on the steel pan; this was recorded on the national radio station of Maldives. To this date, Duvone Stewart’s rendition - yes, my rendition - is heard on the National radio station of Maldives. This experience is, and will always be, indelibly etched in the walls of my mind.”
WST - “What does a ‘calendar year’ traditionally look like for Duvone Stewart, from the end of the annual Panorama season, the months thereafter, and right back to the start of the next ‘season’?”

“At the end of the Panorama season, I leave Trinidad and Tobago in March and I spend up to July in Europe. My mom and brother are based in New York and I have a home everywhere I go. As a result, I embrace the opportunity between July and December, to spend time with my family in America. And not to forget: I perform ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.”

“Thanks to Almighty God, Virginia, Curtis and Leku Percival, for your invaluable contribution to my success; my Family, and Friends.
God Bless Trinidad and Tobago. God bless the steel pan movement.”

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