Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Tribute To Women In Pan


Follow When Steel Talks
WST google search WST Forum WST facebook page WST on Twitter WST Newsletter Global Steelband listings
  

Meet Brenda Hosang - South Florida, USA

“When I lived in Trinidad, in my eyes the steelpan was just a form of entertainment. I listened to Panorama on radio, I loved the music festival - on radio. In New York there was a program to promote the culture of your country and I got into supporting anything that came out of Trinidad & Tobago. My passion increases daily because I believe I missed out on a lot when I was younger.”  -- Brenda Hosang

Brenda Hosang is a supporter of all things pan in South Florida.  In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - steelpan music enthusiast Brenda Hosang shares her experiences, views, reflections and dreams on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall.

A When Steel Talks Exclusive

When Steel Talks ‘Celebration of Women in Pan’ logo

WST - “Tell us about Brenda Hosang?”

Brenda H. - “I was born in Port of Spain and lived a mostly sheltered life as one of five children. At the age of 9 years I got the acting bug after performing in a school play put on by Aldwyn Boynes. The next 8 years laid the ground work for my musical appreciation.”


WST - “What were your earliest experiences with Pan?”

Brenda H. - “Providing support for Silhouettes Steel Orchestra in Brooklyn, New York. Working with Puddy Flores, Cutty Francois and deceased Everard Flores. Moving to South Florida I realized that not everyone could play but some people could help in other ways.”


WST - “What keeps your passion for the instrument, music and culture going?”

Brenda H. - “When I lived in Trinidad, in my eyes the steelpan was just a form of entertainment. I listened to Panorama on radio, I loved the music festival - on radio. In New York there was a program to promote the culture of your country and I got into supporting anything that came out of Trinidad & Tobago. My passion increases daily because I believe I missed out on a lot when I was younger.”

Brenda Hosang
Brenda Hosang

WST - “If you had the power to change something in Pan immediately what would that be?”

Brenda H. - “I would have the government provide the Pan community with dedicated panyards. The steelband movement needs more accountability, answers, for the efforts of its members.”

WST - “What have you been most proud about as it relates to Pan?”

Brenda H. - “I am proud of the members of Silver Stars USA. Their determination to succeed gave me the incentive to donate my efforts on their behalf.”

Silver Stars USA
Brenda Hosang (third from right) with Silver Stars USA

WST - “What disappoints you the most in the steelpan movement?”

Brenda H. - “The steelpan movement needs more people who can publish transparency in the affairs of an organized system.”


Brenda Hosang sports WST shirt
Brenda Hosang (right) with Silver Stars USA

WST - “Who, and what are your musical influences?”

Brenda H. - “My musical influences are varied. There is no one person since we have so many great ones.”


WST - “Do you believe women are finally getting the appreciation they deserve for their contribution to the art form?”

Brenda H. - “Women have been getting appreciation for their contributions. What’s happening now is they are being put under the spotlight to equal their male counterparts.”


WST - “What is Panorama to you?”

Brenda H. - “The culmination of excitement of a season. All roads lead to that final night.”


WST - “Is Panorama a curse or blessing from your perspective?”

Brenda H. - “Neither a curse or a blessing. This is a competition.”



photos’ source: B. Hosang/Facebook


 

Their Story, Their Voice, Their Life, Their Dreams - click for more stories

Leave your comment in the WST forum

 When Steel Talks shirts
now available!
Order yours now!
When Steel Talks -- T Shirt


When Steel Talks logo

Join When Steel Talks