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British Association of Steelbands 2004
Annual Awards Report
United Kingdom - On Saturday the 4th December 2004, the Holiday
Inn, Bloomsbury was the venue for the 4th British Association of
Steelbands Annual Awards Ceremony. The event was established in 2001
to recognize and celebrate the contributions of individuals and groups
within the steelpan community. Since its inception, the event has
grown in stature and is fast becoming a focal point in the UK
community’s calendar.
Guests included Mr. Ashton Forde, Trinidad and Tobago High
Commission in London, London Notting Hill Carnival Limited Directors –
Roddy Crozier and Chris Boothman, Dr Andrew Ramroop, Mr. Russell
Henderson, founder of the Russell Henderson Steelband, which played at
the first Notting Hill Carnival in 1964, ensuring that steelpan music
was the first recognized music to be played at what is now the largest
Carnival in Europe and possibly second only to Trinidad and Tobago.
Guest of honour, Rudolph Walker, made a speech covering the initial
arrival of the steelpan in the UK by Boscoe Holder which led to
‘Operation Britain’ and the formation of the Trinidad All Steel
Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) who played at the Festival of Britain on
the 26th July 1951. He emphasized its evolvement to become an
important ingredient in the fabric of cosmopolitan Britain today. He
highlighted the art form as the perfect machinery for bringing
together the UK’s diverse population and for reflecting and promoting
the culture of Trinidad and Tobago.
It was an evening filled with entertainment supplied by Ebony
Steelband, RnB/steelpan player, Jeanette ‘Kisakadee’ Contant, daughter
of the late Michael ‘Natsy’ Contant, Robert Clarke and Friends,
Aydenne Simone, Panecktar Paranderos and Samuel Dubois with DJ Sugar K
(Unique FM) dishing out some rather catchy numbers that had everyone
on the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning. Martin Jay of
Choice FM 96.9 was the M.C. on the night assisted by Listra Joseph.
Photos by response photographic,
Writing/info from Robbie Joseph, Pan Podium
Awards were presented to:
Anniversary Celebrations:
Forestgate Steel Band – celebrating 10 years of promoting steelpan in
the UK
Newcastle Tyneside Steel Band - celebrating 15 years of promoting
steelpan in the UK
Southside Steel Band - celebrating 25 years of promoting steelpan in
the UK
Nostalgia Steel Band - celebrating 40 years of promoting steelpan in
the UK
London Notting Hill Carnival - celebrating 40 years of Carnival in the
UK
Competition Winners:
Samuel Dubois – BAS Pan Explosion Soloist winner 2004
Ebony Steel Band – BAS 2003 Pan Explosion winners 204
Mangrove Junior Steel Band - Junior Panorama Champions 2004
Mangrove Steel Band - National Panorama Champions 2004
Stardust Steel Band - Randolph Baptiste Inspirational Award
Contribution to the promotion of Steelpan:
Clyde Dias - Contribution to the promotion of steelpan (community)
Toussaint Clarke - Contribution to the promotion of steelpan
(nationally)
Terrance Noel - Contribution to the promotion of steelpan
(internationally)
Special Awards:
Russell Henderson - Lifetime Achievement Award 2004.
In 1964, Rhaune Laslett-O'Brien organized a ‘festival’ to help combat
the devastating effects of poverty and deprivation in the Ladbroke
Grove area. She called Russell to ask if he could play but her first
words were ‘we can’t pay you’ – his immediate response was ‘what time
- we’ll be there’. Russell appeared out of a side street with his
steel band, The Russell Henderson Steelband and the people followed
him until nightfall. The community has never looked back. This event
is now called the Notting Hill Carnival and has become the largest
Carnival in Europe.
It was a great night enjoyed by all who attended and everyone is now
looking forward to next year’s event.
Photos by response photographic,
Writing/info from Robbie Joseph, Pan Podium
For further info see,
Website: www.panpodium.com
Email: panpodium@aol.com
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