WST - “Tell us about Malikiya Bando.”
Malikiya B. - “I consider myself to be a shining example of some of the best that the community of Laventille has to offer. Like my name implies, I strive to live honestly, to be fair and considerate of others and to lead by example. Having successfully completed secondary school recently, I am still exploring my career and educational options, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
WST - “When and how did you first become aware of the steelpan instrument?”
Malikiya B. - “Even before I knew myself, I became aware of the steelpan due to my father’s love and support for all things Desperadoes. I spent a lot of time with him at the panyard, so that it just became a natural part of who I am.”
WST - “Why do you play pan? And what keeps your passion for the instrument, music, art form in general - going?”
Malikiya B. - “In steelpan, we enjoy the benefit of a community that is compassionate, full of vibes and resilient. I enjoy performing with my friends, making new ones and sharing in our love for music. Steelpan allows us to also spread joy and demonstrate good citizenship through music.”
WST - “Were you ever dissuaded relative to, or encounter push-back for, pursuing your passion for pan?”
Malikiya B. - “Not at all. My family members basically grew up around steelpan, so me being a part of this environment was an accomplishment to them. I have always received my family’s love and support.”
Malikiya Bando with Desperadoes Steel Orchestra - photo: Maria Nunes
WST - “What do extended family, friends, think of your involvement with the steelband art form?”
Malikiya B. - “I think that my father is the most proud when it comes to my involvement and as such, he is always supportive. As for extended friends and family, most of my friends are involved in steelpan and I suppose most persons are proud that I have made positive choices thus far in my life.”
WST - “What do you see as the greatest challenges facing this current generation of steelband musicians in Trinidad and Tobago?”
Malikiya B. - “I believe that poor planning and limited foresight for our fraternity have resulted in many lost opportunities for steelpan. The impact has certainly been heightened by COVID-19, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago, where we have built the main source of income and opportunities around Carnival. So with our borders closed and restrictions in place, many persons and households have been affected. Then there is the lack of mentorship from some elders/senior members and willingness on their part, to listen and to allow the youth to share our knowledge and suggestions for doing certain things differently. The latter is sad because the elders paved the way for us to be educated and live better lives, so that we could take steelpan further but by the same token, our voices are sometimes not taken seriously.”
WST - “You are a member of the legendary Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, and Caribbean Steelpan Connextion. What makes your bands special to you?”
Malikiya B. - “Caribbean Steelpan Connextion opened my eyes and ears to a different side of the fraternity. I like that fans call us musicians and I like the way that we approach each event and project holistically. Also, because our band is smaller, the rapport amongst the players is solid. Through Mr. Andre Robley, I have also been growing in my confidence to improvise and as such, I am becoming a better musician.”
Malikiya Bando (on tenor, third from left) with Caribbean Steelpan Connextion
WST - “If you had the power to change something in Pan immediately what would that be?”
Malikiya B. - “Better payments that are reflective of the energy and time invested, so that persons who are genuinely interested in a career in music can live comfortably. I would also argue for more inclusion of the youth in decision-making and homework facilities for those persons who need access to books, printing and the internet during their time in the panyard.”
WST - “What have you been most proud about as it relates to Pan?”
Malikiya B. - “I have two. The first is when I won my first large band Panorama as a stage side member of Desperadoes and secondly, being the first lady of tenor with Caribbean Steelpan Connextion. For the latter, I feel so honoured to play alongside such a seasoned and knowledgeable player as Mr. Andre and as the name implies, to enjoy some of the perks of being the only female on tenor in the band.”
Malikiya Bando, overlooking the city
WST - “What disappoints you the most in the steelband movement?”
Malikiya B. - “Most certainly, the lack of respect that is given to us by the wider national community is disappointing. Even though music is a part of everyday life, citizens still do not recognise how much discipline and talent are needed to learn and perform. Steelpan has given so much wealth and merriment to other communities of persons; why can’t some of these work with us to improve our livelihood?”
WST - “What is it you believe the global steelband community needs to work on?”
Malikiya B. - “Greater representation in the business community and of course, more genuine co-operation amongst bands, so that we use our resources more effectively.”
WST - “What is Panorama to you?”
Malikiya B. - “Panorama is a jewel in our national fabric and the largest family reunion the world over! There is food, laughter, fashion, family and friends from many different places, who all gather in a central location to share in the memories and excitement.”
WST - “Is Panorama a curse or blessing from your perspective?”
Malikiya B. - “It’s a blessing to simply be able to roll across the big stage and bask in the ambience.”
WST - “What type of music do you listen to other than Pan music?”
Malikiya B. - “I really love piano and violin (concerto).”
WST - “Who, and what are your musical influences?”
Malikiya B. - “One of my main reasons for joining Caribbean Steelpan Connextion was because of Mr. Andre. He has a quiet but intriguing style of performing and arrangement that I strive to emulate. As it relates to persons closer to my age group, it is exciting to follow the careers of persons like Keisha Codrington, Tyesha Alexander, Mahalia Thomas and the Pan Twins. And of course because I am also a member or Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, I have an affinity for Carlton “Zanda” Alexander, not only for his skills but the respect that he shows to young persons like myself. Under Caribbean Steelpan Connextion, I have had opportunities to work hands-on with him and he was very encouraging and offered constructive advice to me.”
Malikiya Bando (third from right) with Carlton “Zanda” Alexander
(third from left) and Caribbean Steelpan Connextion
WST - “Do you have a favorite arrangement, and if so, share on this.”
Malikiya B. - “Desperadoes’ “Iron Love,” because it was a product and arrangement that spoke to my generation whilst honouring the past, Andy Narell’s “Coffee Street” - and although I cannot reveal too much, a particular piece that is to be released by Caribbean Steelpan Connextion.”
Desperadoes Steel Orchestra / “Iron Love” /WST - “All genres of music are performed on steelpan - do you enjoy any specific genre over another?”
Malikiya B. - “As a Trinbagonian, I love performing our local genres of music, especially soca, but jazz is number one because it really allows the artist to express his or herself. So, I am elated when there are performances that allow me to marry the two (kaiso jazz). Zanda is a big part of that movement.”
WST - “As is common in the steel band community - there is great camaraderie among the players; you stay in contact and hang out together year-round with fellow-band mates, outside of the Panorama season. Talk about these relationships.”
Malikiya B. - “Most of my pan friends live on the hill (Laventille) just like me, so we’re always together and as for the ones that don’t, technology has made keeping in touch easier.”
WST - “What would be your advice to the young female players who are dreaming of one day becoming steelband musicians?”
Malikiya B. - “Practice is always key to achieving your goals, as is time management. Also, it helps to find a mentor in the fraternity who can instill wisdom and positive values into your life. There are many female musicians who are willing to provide support once you are open to it.
“I also want to encourage our female pan players to take care of their health and mental wellness because a lot of the success that is enjoyed by our fraternity is because of the roles that we play in management/administration, section leaders and taking care of others in the pan yards, in addition to our responsibilities in the home, relationships or careers.”
Malikiya Bando at Vaughnette Bigford’s ʽDe Sunset Pan Jazz Lime
2021’ in Naparima Bowl - photo: Da Pelican pictures
WST - “How has COVID-19 changed your life as it relates to pan?”
Malikiya B. - “COVID-19 gave all persons a rare moment to slow down, dig deeper within themselves and for the fraternity, a chance to explore our creativity. While I am mindful of the grief and loss that have been experienced worldwide, I remain positive that this will be the catalyst for growth and change regarding steelpan. I would love to see and hear more steelpan content in movies and broadcast, and/or ICT-driven initiatives like gaming and apps.”
WST - “What is your vision for the steelpan instrument?”
Malikiya B. - “To be a bigger source of income for our musicians.”
WST - “Are there any other steelband-related matters you would like to bring forward?”
Malikiya B. - “Recently, there have been reports of theft and vandalism at pan yards, which is a safe haven for young persons like myself. I wish that persons would refrain from same because steelpan is about family, and therefore we should respect and love each other.”
Desperadoes Steel Orchestra / “More Sokah” / Panorama Final 2020
photos provided by Andre Robley/ Malikiya Bando/ Maria Nunes
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