The NLCB PanoGrama, described by its creators as the World Cup of Steelpan, has named Keishaun Julien as its 2021 winner. Keishaun, a Soloist, Arranger, and Educator, has kept the crown in Trinidad and Tobago for another year with his rendition of ‘Pan By Storm’.

PanoGrama was held for the first time last year to revive the entertainment industry which was at a standstill because of the pandemic. The virtual competition showcases top steelpan soloists from around the world.

2021’s PanoGrama began with auditions held from February 28th to March 21st, followed by preliminaries comprising 30 participants and held on May 7th to 9th. The semi-finals held on May 13th featured 20 hopefuls, and the finals on May 22nd saw 10 qualifiers vying for the winning title.

The Rules/Requirements as stated in Panograma website are:

Performance

Musicians would be required to perform a tune of choice for a maximum of 4 minutes 30 seconds accompanied by backing tracks, for each round of the competition. The creation of custom backing tracks is encouraged.

Backing tracks must be soundtracks/accompaniment only and should not contain the melody of the selection.

Variations can be pre-composed and must represent the musician’s original ideas. Improvising is not mandatory.

Tune of Choice

Selections can be made from any genre of music for performance(s). Should a musician progress in the competition, that musician cannot use the same selection again.

Instruments

Musicians are free to use any steelpan of their choice and the changing of instruments across rounds is allowed (i.e. A musician who played tenor for the preliminary round can switch to double seconds for the semifinals, should they qualify). There is no limit to the number of steelpans that can be used for a performance.

Prizes

• First:  $1,000.00 USD, All-expenses-paid trip to Canada to perform for Sons of Steel (5-day trip). *Terms and conditions apply; Virtual one-on-one session with world-renowned steelpannist, Victor Provost; 1 x Augustus Peters Steelpans Chrome Low C Tenor Pan Package (Tenor pan, case, stand and sticks)

• Second: $800.00 USD; Virtual one-on-one session with world-renowned steelpannist, Victor Provost.

• Third:  $500.00 USD Virtual one-on-one session with world-renowned steelpannist, Victor Provost.

You can catch the Finals below!

 

Final Standings for the Finals

1. Keishaun Julien (T&T) -93.2 points
2. Dejean Cain (T&T) – 92.4 points
3. Tyeesha Alexander (T&T) – 92.2 points
4. Earl Brooks Jr. (T&T) – 91.6 points
5. Mathieu Borgne (France) – 89.6 points
6. Andre Forde (Barbados) – 89.2 points
7. Hanif Goodridge (T&T) – 84.6 points
8. Charlton Alfonso (T&T) – 77.8 points
9. Jamel Cadette (T&T) – 76.4 points
10. David Yundi (USA) 75. 8 points