Meet Mikiel Smith of Grenada - Steelpan Performing Artist

Mikiel Smith has returned to participate once more in PanoGrama, having reached the semi-finals in 2021.  His instrument was made by Lloyd Gay, and tuned by his son, Federico Gay.

“My name is Mikiel Smith, and I hail from the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. I was raised in the village of St. Paul’s located in the parish of St. George.

“St. Paul’s is known for being a culturally-oriented village, and it is no surprise I developed a love for the exhilarating sound of the steel pan.

“St. Paul’s is home to the Commancheros Steel Orchestra, and at the age of 7 I enrolled in the band as a junior player and started my journey to become “The Pan Guru.” I displayed immense skill and potential on the instrument and quickly ascended to the senior band. I also became the arranger for Commancheros’ Junior Band and captured first place in Panorama 2015 and 2016.”

“My talent and love for the instrument pushed me beyond the Commancheros Steel Orchestra, and I ventured to play professionally with the Treo Band. Currently, I play professionally for Carnival Cruise line as a Caribbean Steel Pan Soloist.

The release of my very own steel pan album has been a dream of mine for quite some time and it gives me great satisfaction knowing that it is has come to fruition. It is my pleasure to share this with you.

“The Pan Guru “Mastermind” Album is an album that is very self-explanatory. It was recorded, mixed and mastered by Pan Guru hence the name Mastermind. It is a mixture of songs providing the feel and swing of different genres of music to please the listeners. Each track has a Caribbean touch that would most definitely appeal to the listener and provide a pleasing sound to brighten up the day through nothing but the sweet sound of the Steel Pan.”

Bio provided to When Steel Talks by:  M. SMITH