WST - “A once-in-a-lifetime pandemic - not to mention a few years - have now passed, since ‘When Steel Talks’ interviewed you on your relationship and views on the steelpan instrument. How (if at all) have your views and expectations on the instrument, culture, lifestyle, music and community, changed?”
Israel M. - “Firstly, thank you for the opportunity to revisit some of what was discussed in 2015. From then to now our reality has evolved and I believe that many milestones have been achieved. However, there is still considerable work to be done.
“One of the most fantastic things to date that we are witnessing is a changing of the guards as it relates to the administration of individual bands, the oversight of our fraternity and of course, the arrangers and drill masters.
“It is good to see that we are steadily increasing the avenues for our women and girls to demonstrate their insight and competencies as Managers, Captains, Liaison Representatives, Arrangers, Groovers, Tuners and Entrepreneurs. It helps to foster a nurturing and enterprising environment for our youth and elders. When women and girls are empowered, it can only auger well for the future of our economies and societies, as there is representation at all levels and a deeper commitment to sustainable development. Although some may not agree, the current composition of Pan Trinbago, Inc. is testimony to these sentiments and evidenced by the good works that continue to prosper.
“One of the things that COVID-19 was able to teach the world is that you have to be prepared for change and as such, if an individual or group within the steelband fraternity did not use that downtime to effectively and efficiently explore and/or engage technology or its youth, then coming out of same, you would have been caught with your pants down. To be more specific, I think that during that time we were privileged to see new, bold and successful initiatives occurring such as Nevin Roach’s PanoGrama project, BP Renegades’ soloist series, the launch of Tiajuana Hernandez’s steelpan accessories store (@d’Pan Sticks PlugTT) and Andre Robley and his Caribbean Steelpan Connextion team crossing physical borders to adopt new niche markets through digital platforms.
“Given this country’s Development Agenda for the next few years, it is also heartening to know that various steel orchestras have been receiving deeds and leases for properties and are being incorporated into key revitalization initiatives by the State. I know that this is not the truth for some of our international peers.
“I must also make special mention of the opening of Musical Instruments of Trinidad and Tobago Company Limited (MITTCO) by Mario Joseph and Akua Leith because through their company, music enthusiasts and steelpan musicians now have enhanced access to quality instruments and accessories and are providing alternative avenues for gainful employment.”
Israel McLeod with Andre Robley and Caribbean Steelpan
Connextion at Jazz Artists on the Greens 2023
WST - “What has pleased you the most, in terms of success of the Pan community?”
Israel M. - “In addition to the enhanced role of our women and girls, I cherish the passion and initiative of our youth. They are doing phenomenal things and adding credence to careers in the steelpan fraternity.
“I had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Daisy McClean last year and she was almost reduced to tears when she considered how far we have advanced ourselves from the days of making pans in fowl coops, and her personally being scolded for being in the pan yard as a girl. Now, we have steelpan factories, the instruments being used at schools and the ability to share compositions and arrangements with just the click of a key.”
WST - “In your opinion, what is now the greatest challenge facing the steelpan music community moving forward?”
Israel M. - “I have three (3) main areas of concern:
- In an age where content is king, there is
still a digital divide in our community which means that there is
not equitable access to information and opportunities for decent
work. It also suggests that there are bands that have not been
capturing their history and achievements, and we are therefore
losing data that can be instructive within an organisation and to
the benefit of policy makers, prospective investors and even media
personnel who may want to create a credible feature on a particular
entity.
- This leads me to my second point which
considers our readiness to respond to international trends in the
entertainment and tourism industries. The Caribbean is experiencing
a reinvigorated interest in our tourism and culture by international
networks. Consider the use of our National Instrument in the
historic global premiere of Disney’s
The Little Mermaid. In at least three (3) countries – the United
States of America, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Trinidad
and Tobago, the steelpan was a critical part of the production and
public releases, which helped to generate more interest in the
sector. How then have we chosen to respond to the heightened
publicity?
- Health Care and Benefits for our
Elderly – Most of us are aware that many of our founders and
even the musicians from the late 1970s onwards, dedicated their
lives to building the steelpan fraternity. And so, now that some of
these persons are in their mature years they are sadly without
sufficient health coverage, suitable housing or have little to no
access to specialized health services. We therefore need to make
more concerted efforts to take care of these persons as a mark of
respect and love.
Additionally, I would like to see the boys and men in our midst pay greater attention to their own health and well-being. Lay off the heavy drinking and certain drugs. Exercise more and make smarter choices regarding your nutrition.”
The late Ursula Tudor, Israel McLeod and Dennis “Tash” Ash of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra
WST - “What is your greatest fear (disappointment) for the steelpan music community?”
Israel M. - “That we are yet to realise our collective strength as a movement, towards meaningful change.
“This change for me means selecting accountable, honest and proactive leaders, who can guarantee that our musicians particularly in Trinidad and Tobago, are treated as the heroes that we/they are.
“We need preferential access to housing, pension schemes, loan facilities and even visas and related diplomatic courtesies for those of us who continue to represent our country globally.”
WST - “What has not happened - that you expected would have been pretty secured by now?”
Israel M. - “Well, for sure the realisation of Pan Trinbago’s Headquarters in Trincity and greater tenure and resources for those involved in the Pan in Schools Coordinating Council.”
WST - “Are there any major steelpan music projects and/or accomplishments that you would like to share?”
Israel McLeod
Israel M. - “Firstly, I would like to extend my gratitude to the various orchestras, ensembles, soloists and other instrumentalists that I have been privileged to work with. Many persons associate me with my achievements in the “big band,” category but my experience and involvement in the steelpan fraternity began at a junior level and later, as a liaison for soloists and Public Relations Specialist within the smaller categories, locally and internationally.
“My proudest project to date has been the continued success of Andre Robley and Caribbean Steelpan Connextion. We were the first band (according to data) to represent the CARICOM Region in Astana, Kazakhstan in 2017, to perform for the Attorney General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2018 and most recently, to receive the first Live Music District Grant in our fraternity from MusicTT (2022), based on our commitment to diversity and excellence in service.
“I have also recently accepted an invitation to serve on a Special Planning Committee of the National Steelband Heroes Hall of Fame Foundation, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts.”
photos provided by Israel McLeod
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