Aisha Joseph

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - Beginning her musical journey at the tender age of three, Aisha Joseph has always been surrounded by the steel pan culture, creativity, and music.

She hails from the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda and is a proud member of the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra. She was also a member of the Holy Family Cathedral Steel Orchestra for three years. Her first solo public performance was in 2001, at age 7 where she performed Fur Elise at one of the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra’s annual Christmas concerts.

She attended the Christ the King High School and became a member of her school’s Steel Band, “Excelsior Steel Orchestra.” In September 2008 – June 2009 she performed the role of the Vice-Captain of the Excelsior Steel Orchestra and took the role of Captain in the following school year of September 2009 – June 2010. The orchestra performed under the guidance of her father, Mr. Stafford Joseph at various events such as Christmas concerts, Easter concerts, private gigs and participated in cultural exchanges with the John Marshall High School in Rochester, New York. Ms. Joseph naturally chose Music as one of her subjects for the Caribbean examination Council (CXC) where she acquired a Grade 2.

For Aisha, the most rewarding feeling from playing the steelpan is experiencing the unity and bond formed with team members. Additionally, seeing the younger generation also developing a curiosity and love for this marvelous instrument makes her want to continue in any way possible to touch the lives of others and showcase to the world the beauty of the steelpan.

Aisha aspires to become the first female steelpan builder and tuner from Antigua and Barbuda. She is presently enrolled in Northern Illinois University where she studies under Liam Teague and Yuko Asada and is pursuing her BA in a Contract Major with emphasis on Steel Pan Fabrication and it’s Artform.

Aisha not only views herself as a musician but an artist with a passion to connect with individuals through different creative channels.