Panpodium Poetry

 
 

André White with Mangrove Steelband in UK Panorama 2022.

André White

In the world of steel, where melodies take flight,
There's a maestro named Andre White, shining bright.
With deft hands and passion, he takes the lead,
Crafting rhythms and harmonies, a musical creed.
In the heart of steelpan, he weaves a story,
Each note a brushstroke, painting glory.
Arranger extraordinaire, his genius unveiled,
In every composition, a masterpiece is hailed.
The steelband's canvas, his arrangements adorn,
A symphony of steel, each note is reborn.
Andre White, the arranger, with a magic touch,
Transforms steel into music, oh, how much!
With dedication and artistry, he takes the stage,
Guiding steel's resonance, like a wise sage.
In Andre White, the steelband's soul is found,
A musical treasure, forever renowned.
So here's to Andre White, arranger divine,
In the world of steel, a radiant sign.
His compositions forever will resound,
In the steelband's melodies, they are bound.

Phase II Pan Groove on stage for T&T National Panorama 2023.

Phase II Pan Groove

In the heart of the vibrant Caribbean isle,

Where rhythmic melodies grace the air with style,

Lies Phase II Pan Groove, a band so grand,

With steel drums ablaze, they take a stand.

Their melodies, like whispers from the past,

Evoke emotions that forever last,

Each beat, each note, a symphony profound,

In harmony, their music knows no bound.

From humble origins, they rose with might,

United souls, in the pursuit of light,

Underneath the moonlit sky they gather,

Steel pan warriors, their spirits never wither.

In Phase II's hands, the steel drums come alive,

A magic fusion of tradition and drive,

Their nimble fingers dance upon the keys,

Creating a symphony that forever frees.

With passion burning deep within their hearts,

They enchant the world, playing their vibrant parts,

From Port of Spain to lands afar and wide,

Phase II Pan Groove, a source of endless pride.

Their journey unfolds with each pulsating beat,

A testament to the power of pure heat,

They paint the canvas of the steel pan's song,

Uniting nations, bridging gaps so strong.

Instruments of triumph, their music takes flight,

Igniting souls with joy and sheer delight,

A celebration of culture and unity,

Phase II Pan Groove, a symbol for all to see.

So let us raise our voices in sweet accord,

To honor the music that they have restored,

For Phase II Pan Groove, their legacy secure,

Their melodies forever shall endure.

Dr Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe on stage at Trinidad National Panorama.

Dr Len ‘Boogie’ Sharpe

Len "Boogsie" Sharpe,

Master of the steelpan art,

With each beat of his sticks,

He ignites a fire in our hearts.

Born in Trinidad and Tobago,

 In the land where pan was born,

He learned to play from a young age,

And soon became a virtuoso, a prodigy, a swan.

 With his quick and nimble fingers,

He creates magic on the pan,

A symphony of sound and rhythm,

That echoes across the land.

 He's won countless competitions,

And played for crowds large and small,

From New York to London to Tokyo,

He's answered every pan lover's call.

 But it's not just his skill that impresses,

It's the passion that he brings,

For the steelpan is more than an instrument,

It's the heart and soul of Trinidad and Tobago's things.

 So here's to Len "Boogsie" Sharpe,

A master of the steelpan art,

May his music continue to inspire,

And touch every pan lover's heart.