The United Nations (UN) has declared August 11 as World Steelpan Day, a day to celebrate the musical instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago and has become a symbol of Caribbean culture. The steelpan, also known as the steel drum, is a percussion instrument made from oil drums that are hammered and tuned to produce different notes. The steelpan was invented in the 1930s by Afro-Trinidadians who used discarded metal containers as a form of musical expression and resistance against colonial oppression.

The steelpan emerged in the context of social and political unrest, as the British colonial authorities banned other forms of African drumming and music. The early pioneers of the steelpan experimented with different materials and shapes, such as biscuit tins, paint pots and dustbins, until they discovered that oil drums could produce a wider range of tones and pitches.

The first steelbands were formed by groups of young men who played their homemade instruments on the streets, often clashing with rival bands or the police. The steelpan gradually gained recognition and respectability, as it was introduced to formal music education, international festivals and competitions, and collaborations with renowned musicians and composers.

The UN resolution to designate World Steelpan Day was adopted by the General Assembly on December 18, 2022, with the support of 193 member states. The resolution recognizes the steelpan as “an instrument of peace, unity and creativity” and “a unique contribution to the world’s musical heritage”. The resolution also urges member states to promote the preservation, development and dissemination of the steelpan, as well as to foster intercultural dialogue and cooperation through its music.

The first World Steelpan Day will be celebrated on August 11, 2023, with various events and activities planned around the world. The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will coordinate the global celebration, in collaboration with the government of Trinidad and Tobago, the International Steelpan Association, and other relevant stakeholders. The main objectives of World Steelpan Day are to raise awareness of the history and significance of the steelpan, to showcase its diversity and versatility, and to encourage its learning and appreciation among people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures.

Some of the most famous steelpan players in history include Ellie Mannette, who is considered the “Father of the Modern Steel Drum” for his innovations in tuning and crafting, Winston “Spree” Simon, who is credited with inventing the “Ping Pong” pan, the first melodic steelpan, Andy Narell, who is a prominent jazz musician and composer who specializes in the steelpan, Hugh Borde, who led the National Steel Band of Trinidad & Tobago at the Commonwealth Arts Festival in England, as well as the Esso Tripoli Steel Band, which toured with Liberace, Lennox Sharpe, who is a multiple winner of the prestigious Panorama competition in Trinidad & Tobago, Rudy Smith, who is a jazz playing steelpan player from Trinidad & Tobago who lives in Denmark, Asami Nagakiya, who was a Japanese steelpan player who performed with several bands in Trinidad & Tobago before her tragic death in 2016, and many others who have contributed to the development and popularity of this unique instrument.

Photo by David Chang Kit