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Nestor Sullivan and Leo Everett |
United Kingdom -
Saturday the 6th December saw the British Association of Steelbands
celebrate their annual awards ceremony at the Holiday Inn in Bloomsbury,
London. 2008 marked the 10th anniversary of the awards which was
established to celebrate the successes of bands and individuals. In
recognising excellence, presentations also honour the wider and more
sustained contributions of individuals, groups and organisations to the
promotion of steel pan music, culture and heritage. In celebrating
achievements BAS are raising the profile of carnival arts more
generally.
It is difficult to believe that ten years have passed since the first
event in the humble surroundings of The Tabernacle which now houses The
Carnival Village. Distinguished guests included Gerald Forsyth - member
of the BAS Hall of Fame, Ashton Ford - Information Attaché, Trinidad &
Tobago High Commission, Toussaint Clarke, Norman Stewart, Frank Rollock,
Cordelia Johney, Robbie Joseph and Grafton Yearwood of the UK Pan Tuners
Guild, Shabaka Thompson, Angela Duncan Thompson, Ricky Belgrave, Lyndon
Lacrette and Chris Shaw, Chairs of the Notting Hill Carnival arts
arenas, Mr Nestor Sullivan, Manager of Pamberi Steel Orchestra and
former Manager of the National Steel Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago.
Pepe Francis, Chair of BAS noted in his speech that it is a fact that
the classes, performances and employment opportunities provided by BAS
members provide an invaluable and unsung contribution to community
cohesion, regeneration and education across all sectors of our diverse
society. It is a fact that BAS is the UK’s only carnival arts based
organisation whose membership and network extends throughout the UK. On
the night they had members and representatives not only from London and
the Home Counties but also from Newcastle, Plymouth, Bath, Coventry,
Birmingham, Luton, Cornwall, North Tyneside and Portsmouth - as well as
representation from the home of pan, Trinidad and Tobago.
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Shabaka Thompson giving London All Stars Award |
In the UK there are less than a handful of bands that have commercial
sponsorship. BAS are working hard to convince companies of the many and
varied benefits of investing in a steel band – social and community
cohesion, regeneration, education, preventative and diversionary
engagement strategies, employment opportunities as well as to brand
awareness and promotion, marketing and, of course, the positive impact
and influence on profit lines.
On the night, special homage was paid to the Caribbean Music Association
for hosting their first Black Tie Events in October, which was a
successful evening. The UK Pan Tuners Guild which was established to
ensure pan manufacturing in the UK is consistently of the highest
standard. BAS fully supports this organisation and its objectives.
Finally, the Caribbean Steel International - CSI was established just a
little over a year old but has, in that short time, found a rehearsal
space; set up classes that are fully attended and for which there is a
waiting list; become a Registered Charity; and attracted over £30,000
lottery funding through winning a public vote. As we face the challenges
and difficulties of the coming year we should remember their
achievements and know that, with determination, effort and team work
anything is possible. Throughout the evening all speakers, including
BAS’s PRO, Robbie Joseph, paid their respect to Debi Gardner, BAS’s
Secretary, for her hard work and tireless efforts.
BAS Future Development Forum’s Chair and Vice Chair, Delphina James and
Miles Pascall confirmed FDF’s formation in January 2006 and that the
Forum consists of pan players from BAS member bands. Their mission is to
strengthen the UK pan community by highlighting and developing the
talents of young pan players - not only in performance but also in
management and organisational skills. They confirmed that they have been
privileged to work alongside a group of committed, hard working,
determined individuals and thank each of them wholeheartedly for their
honesty, commitment and dedication.
MC on the night was none other than Martin Jay of Choice FM 96.9. After
having the truly delicious West Indian cuisine, witnessing the Awards
and being entertained by the live act, Ray Carless and his band, patrons
were treated to some lively music by DJ, Sugar K who had them dancing
until the wee hours of the morning. Everyone is now looking forward to
next year’s event with great enthusiasm.
Click to see BAS Awards in Pictures
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