Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove leaves for Nigeria, Africa on November 19 for this year’s Abuja carnival.
The reigning National Panorama champion is the latest of steel orchestras to make this cultural journey, preceded by Witco Desperadoes in 2011 and Courts Laventille Sound Specialists last year.
On previous occasions, Phase II musical director Len “Boogsie” Sharpe accompanied Desperadoes, with the same guest role being performed by Ken “Professor” Philmore with Sound Specialists. With the organisers of Abuja carnival thoroughly impressed by the performances and, by public demand, a request was made for another T&T steelband to perform on the continent.
On Wednesday, Phase II manager Errol Skerritt said: “The two previous visits by steelbands were sponsored by the T&T government.
However, during last year’s visit, Pan Trinbago officials negotiated with Nigeria’s Chrome Group, a multi-national company, which had heard the performances and was every impressed. Pan Trinbago encouraged Chrome to sponsor the 2013 National Panorama winner, thus Phase II.”
The touring party will include 20 musicians, inclusive of Skerritt and Sharpe. Band captain Ronnie Howard will not be making this trip. Phase II returns home on November 28, after doing a number of performances.
The main performance will be in the Abuja carnival, as well as others for the Chrome Group and one for T&T ambassador to Nigeria Nychuma Obika.
Phase II was formed in 1972 by a group of six innovative musicians, led by Sharpe. In its 41-year existence, the Woodbrook steel orchestra has won six National Panorama titles, each time playing original music composed by Sharpe.
Having hosted a bumper birthday celebration a fortnight ago for Sharpe, at its panyard, Phase II has been riding a crest of popularity since its 2013 National Panorama win.
Beaming with pride Skerrit said: “Since our win, we have found that when people hear that a steelband has won a million dollars they perceive that as an astronimical sum of money, but in reality it is a miniscule amount. People involved in steelband will appreciate this.
“The end results of that is that normal providers of goods and services tend to raise fees, and normal benefactors seem inclined to be less charitable. The biggest challenge is that everybody who’s having a free event comes to you to do free performances, and the band is forced to prioritise who it assists,” he said.
“Notwithstanding this though, the reign as national champion feels very good, and serves to inspire to go on further to achieve the double.”
Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove National Panorama victories
1987: I Feelin’ Nice
1988: Woman is Boss
2005: Trini Gone Wild
2006: This One’s for You
2008: Musical Vengeance
2013: More Love