Despers USA Steel Orchestra - “Cyah Behave” - 2026 - (‘Tempo’ version - Video)

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Another year brings more good music to the table, this time from Despers USA Steel Orchestra. The New York Panorama competition is still the pinnacle of the annual steelband season in New York; the band, led by Kamau Hutchinson and in the very capable hands of arranger Odie Franklin, was part of the musical showcase on September 5.

Odie is a prominent member of the famed “Three Amigos,” who here excels marvelously and brilliantly at storytelling. He also chose to re-imagine “Cyah Behave” as Despers USA’s tune of choice. This is the ‘Tempo’ version captured on Wednesday September 2 by Basement Recordings as the band prepared in their Brooklyn, New York panyard.

It should be noted that the rhythm section employs the likes of none other than the highly respected and sought-after, Panorama-winning drummer Leason Jacobs, along with Ancil Wellz. The band’s rhythm section provided a rich and powerful accompaniment resulting in the overall sense akin to ‘a triumphant march through the center of town.’ Versatile, explosive and fearless – daring the competition with supreme musicianship to step up to the plate - Despers USA reinforces the challenge with KMC’s “I’m Not Drunk.”

The Despers USA rendition takes on epic status as the musicians use clarity and skill to turn their joy and focus into sound, with deep-seated emotional force to punctuate its relevance. The full performance leaves the final outcome—signed, sealed and delivered—to the ears of a listening audience, replete in immersive audio.

Field Technicians -- Lee Bennett & C. Phillips

2026 New York Panorama - get RESULTS

MORE on Despers USA Steel Orchestra

Despers USA Steel Orchestra during their recording session, September 2, 2026

Despers USA Orchestra - performing artists/ band members

Double Seconds:
Kiara Celina
Reana Blandford
Michael Garcia
Meagan Vincent
Kimaya-Leigh Henry
Chenelle Cummings
Will Robinson
Kaila Charles

Double Tenors:
Dave Patterson
Madison Brown
Chris Nelson
Vilkens Baptiste
Linden John
Kurt Jacob
Jamol Blair

Tenors:
Juju Griffith
Malique Charles
Brian Bowen
Tristan Rodney
Safiya Richards
Ethan Dupigny
Jerlani Dyer
Alijah Ali
Chloe Ford
Airenakhue Omoragbon
Tyler Conen
Jevaun Grant
Johnathan Charles
Nyomie Monier
Christopher Blackman
Daniel Henry
Carter Hamboussi
Joel Hamburger
Noble Serrette
Jalissa Lynch
Imari Bactowal
Oceana O’Dean
Sparkle Demming

Six Basses:
John Fuentes
Jahmani Andrew Cox
Carlis Afram
Bria Blake
Horim Chung
Sakinah Badi
Nandi Candi
Samantha Roderique
Tristan Samuel

Tenor Basses:
Robert Weekes
Christina Neptune-Lynch
Chris Charles

Four Pan
Arin Maxwell
Linden John
Edward Clarke
Justyne Simon
Morgan Hunter
Samuel Andrew

Guitars:
Jasmine Trim-Gomes
Alexa George
André Grant
Jenica Henry
Terrance Greenidge
Fadda Michael Williams
Rebeka Dely
Skyler McKenzie-Roberts
Marcellus Carroll
Zion Greenidge-Evelyn

Rhythm/Percussion
Michael Browne
Samuel Callender
Candice Sandy
Juquan Phillip
Bob Ramos
Jason Barton
Timothy Matthews
Tony Greenidge
Noah Smit

Drummers:
Ancil Wellz
Leason Jacobs

Arranger: Odie Franklin

Quads:
Alexander Smart
Elisabeth Fidele
Keisha Greene

Cello:
Ashley Alvarez

Join When Steel Talks