Duvone Stewart wins Panorama Triple Crown
EVER seen a skit win a panorama competition? Well BP Renegades and ace pan arranger, Duvone Stewart, have won the National Panorama triple crown with Pan Elders in winner's row in the Medium categories, followed by Renegades at the “Big Yard”, Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain on Carnival Saturday Night.
The Tobago-born arranger, 42, had his first victory with Defence Force Steel Orchestra which won the Small Steelband Panorama at Skinner Park, San Fernando last Thursday night.
In a marathon Panorama of theatre infused performances, 20 bands-ten large and ten medium-thrilled pan lovers with explosive music making the double finals among the most competitive in years.
Renegades, however, continued its dominance with its now 11th victory - and back-to-back wins - playing Stewart's arrangement of Darryl "Farmer Nappy" Henry's “Hookin Meh”, one of the Carnival's most popular songs.
The Charlotte Street, Port of Spain band led this year's large band competition throughout the preliminaries and semi-finals.
Pan Elders are also the undisputed medium band champions wining their sixth title with Stewart's arrangement of Irwin "Scrunter" Reyes Johnson's The Will.
Pan Elders too stayed ahead of its rivals since the preliminaries. The Carib Street, San Fernando band, which is unsponsored, almost didn't compete as it struggled early in the season to attract players since Pan Trinbago announced there would be no performance fees this year.
Defence Force won the small band Panorama with Stewart's arrangement of Errol “Bally” Ballantyne's Maxi Dub.
Stewart said after his Panorama victories, that he thanked God for blessing him with his musical talent.
“As I continue to live my dream, I thank God for blessing me with the gift of being a steelpan arranger,” Stewart added.
“Winning was awesome. I feel very happy and very thankful for everything that made the performances a winning three-some."
Tobago’s Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra copped the second spot in the medium bands category in this year’s National Panorama finals.
The Black Rock- based band, dressed in a black coverall, Katzenjammers delivered an exhilarating rendition of “Stranger” in tribute to late calypso icon Mighty Shadow (Winston Bailey. The song was arranged by Terrance “BJ” Marcelle.
Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore, said she was pleased with her organisation for the Panorama.
Another great year of “sweet pan” in the “Big Yard”.
By Jama
