Near-fossilized “insect”
New York, USA - A funny thing happened to When Steel Talks (WST) on our way to the annual coverage of the 2014 New York Panorama this year. WST unexpectedly became part of the story. Not that WST was seeking, or in need of - “street cred” within the Pan community; however being singled out by WIADCA (West Indian American Day Carnival Association) sure doesn’t hurt one’s credibility in the steelpan music community - as such is the disdain and low-level regard WIADCA has historically been held in by the New York steelpan community. Hey, but that’s nothing new.
This is an op-ed we didn’t expect to write or have the time for. We are knee-deep in articles and content and way behind in some cases already: what with NY and Grenada’s Junior Panorama, London Panorama, Antigua & Barbuda Panorama, St. Vincent Panorama, South Africa’s International Marimba and Steelpan Festival, St. Lucia’s Panorama, Pantonic Steel Orchestra’s launch and others, CrossFire’s 15th Anniversary, J’Ouvert, Panorama season review, related photos, and a host of panyard audio and video recordings to edit - just to name a few.
In the interest of time, let’s fast-forward - the particulars: WST was denied press passes by WIADCA for the 2014 Panorama which we ironically for the first time requested through USSA (United States Steelband Association). The reason for the denial as we were told from second-hand sources is that, there were posts on the WST forum by members of the public that placed WIADCA in a negative light. Really? And? The silly season must really be in full swing. Folks write things essentially uncensored about WST et al in our own forum that we don’t necessarily always like. So?
In the previous years that WST covered the New York Panorama, WST has never been denied passes before. However, even when we did have passes, we have experienced special access and movement ‘restrictions’ that obtained only for WST personnel (while members of outside press clearly had full access). These ‘restrictions’ were arbitrarily enforced by certain WIADCA executives who doubled as self-appointed goons on stage for respective Panoramas. In spite of this childlike and often moronic behavior, WST went about as diligently as possible, executing our mission to document and promote the spectacular efforts of the New York community, and beauty of the steelpan music culture in the NY Panorama through media and story.
The almost thug-like behavior by some unintelligent WIADCA officials was ignored and deemed irrelevant by WST - in light of the tremendous talent, sacrifices, dedication and professionalism exhibited particularly by the large number of young people who participate in the Panorama, and represent something so much more profound from an historical and global perspective. The young pan musicians were bringing authentic, world-class, prime-time-ready artistic and musical performances to the stage; and as such, merited similar professionalism, respect, recognition and coverage in return—from WST’s perspective—on all levels. Being reduced to what amounts to a ‘reverse-selfie’ to document these performances which came together in some cases, in two months’ worth of nightly panyard practices - is sad, and simply unacceptable - to the performing musicians, fans, and corporate sponsors - and should mean the same to show promoters.
It is truly unfortunate that the newly-elected President of WIADCA William R. Howard has exhibited such irrational conduct. In the past WIADCA itself has contacted and used WST as an information resource center on steelband-related information queries. In fact, without our permission, in this recent 2014 panorama, WST’s voice tag (When Steel Talks - Everybody Listens) could be heard numerous times throughout the event by the thousands of attendees, blaring through the DJ’s speakers, while WIADCA simultaneously showed and promoted names and products of their sponsors - giving the dishonest and erroneous illusion that WST was supporting both the show and their sponsors. More on that later.
It is further unfortunate that much of the goodwill and progress achieved by former President Thomas Bailey—in his short stay—between the NY steelpan community and WIADCA, could be undermined. Mr. Bailey was clearly a problem solver, implemented a common-sense approach, was an intellect, and loved and understood culture and was not looking to create issues where they were none. Moreover, he was not afraid of constructive criticism that led to a better product. Hopefully WIADCA has not reverted to the days when it was simply seen as the “evil empire” among the steelband community. In any regard our steelpan musicians, culture and experience deserve much better.
Recently an article was sent our way that contained an important quote by Franz Fanon that is relevant.
Hopefully Howard will not fall into that trap.“Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong. When they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted. It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize, ignore and even deny anything that doesn’t fit in with the core belief.” –Frantz Fanon, Black Skin, White Masks
In any regard, Mr. Howard can always claim plausible deniability, that biting insects and two fossils in particular - from another era - whispered nonsense into his ear and led him astray.
Since there is no redux of NY Panorama 2014, so WST can highlight the impressive performances of this year’s event in photos and more (WIADCA Press Passes are necessary to bring in camcorders and cameras, and have access to the steel orchestras on stage as they perform), some in the steelband community can only revisit 2013 in vivid imagery here...
Slideshow 1, Slideshow 2, Slideshow 3, Slideshow 4
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