Kunjaz Steel Ensemble cops 1st place in Republic Bank Panorama

…as West Dem Secondary takes 1st place in Junior Pan competition

After a fierce battle between some of the major steel band orchestras in Guyana, Kunjaz Steel Ensemble drummed their way to the top by outperforming several other great bands to capture 1st place in the 17th Republic Bank Mashramani Panorama Steel Band Competition, held at Kingston Beach in Georgetown on the night of February 19.

ANSA McAL Steel Orchestra gained second place, and the Guyana Police Force Band claimed third before a thoroughly enthusiastic crowd that enjoyed the music.
This publication spoke with Daniel Roberts, main drummer of the Kunjaz Steel team, who detailed the numerous sleepless nights and early morning sessions team members have had to endure as they practised to achieve perfection. He also said some teammates had had to juggle work commitments in sacrificing to achieve this win.
“When we found out we won, I was like, ‘God is good!’ We felt really good and overwhelmed, but we thank God. The practice was very intense, a lot of sleepless nights. Everyone was tired after work, but we still had to go to steel pan practice. The sacrifice really paid off, man! God saw us through,” Roberts declared.
He also had a message for aspiring musicians who aim to accomplish great things.

“For me, I would tell other musicians, ‘Don’t attack greatness!’ If you see someone doing great, support them. Sometimes you will need the support as well. You need to remember to stay humble, stay focused, and don’t run your mouth too much,” he advised.
The younger bands in the youth category gave the adults a run for their money, even as rain dampened the event. Youths rocked the crowd, with West Demerara Secondary School taking 1st place with their performance of Dave Martins’ Honeymooning Couple, which was arranged by Joel Usani Doris. Berbice High School copped 2nd place, and GBTI Buxton Pride was awarded 3rd place.
The Republic Bank first sponsored this competition in 2009, and it has grown over the years. The Bank’s passion for pan development in Guyana focuses on providing avenues for the empowerment for our nation’s youths, while sustaining national art forms and our cultural heritage.