‘Trini’ Soca energises patrons at launch of Steel and Glitter

Trinidadian Soca hit “engine room” had the crowd jamming to the sound of sweet steel as it dominated the majority of pieces played by local steel orchestras at the recent launch of the Carnival show ‘Steel and Glitter’.

It was a ‘vibe in the session’ on the evening of May, 27, as hundreds of people flocked to the Victoria Park to witness the launch of this year’s Steel and Glitter show which is slated to take place on July, 6.

The all white event titled “Ivory Soiree” took a more unique and strategic approach from from the usual pan launch.

The Victoria Park’s lawn was transformed with well decorated scenery, and filled with entertainment.

The competing Steel bands exceptionally entertained the audience with a variety of modern and ‘back in the day’ Soca music.

However, it was the popular hit “Engine Room” by Trinidadian Soca artiste, Olatunji, that seemed to really captivate patrons at the event as most of the orchestras belted out the popular song much to the delight of the audience.

The seven Steel Orchestras in competition are: Elite, Genesis, South East, Symphonix, Sion Hill Euphonium, Starlift, and Epic Sounds.

During an interview with VC3 on the evening of the launch, president of the Youlou Pan Movement Rodney Small, said the event made him feel ‘great.’ He also spoke about feeling satisfied and having “a sense of pride” and identity.

“ I know where the Steel Pan art form is coming from in SVG, and I can now safely say, I know where it is going.”

He also said that while the launch of Panorama is not something new, there have been innovations and the show now has a different style and concept and has attracted a number of new people.

“So that in itself is a whole entire achievement for the Youlou Pan Movement and by extension, Vincy Mas.”

Small said going through the crowd, seeing different faces, and seeing the crowd stay throughout the entire event made him feel good, and the feedback was “really motivating”.

While highlighting the significant presence of youngsters among the different groups, the president said that the public can expect a lot of activities geared towards bringing awareness to the instrument, as well as avenues for young people.

“ It’s really good that we are able to bridge that gap between the young people and the older people,” Small said, as he noted that the pan sides comprise a large number of young people of different ages.

And, he has extended an invitation to the public to go out and support the Steel and Glitter show promising that “great things are in store.”