Steel pan music— a delight transcending generations in the Caribbean

Dec 21, 2014 News

Music is a language of the spirit; it opens the secret of life and brings peace. It abolishes strife. That is a popular quote of famed Lebanese artist, poet, and writer Khalil Gibran but those words might prove true for local musician, Colgrain Whyte, whose love and passion for playing the steel pan has transcended generations.
Whyte believes that he is very fortunate to have come from a musical background.
Growing up in Charlotte Street, Georgetown, the father of three recalls how steel pan music has been very instrumental in his upbringing, reforming youth in his community and the Caribbean at large.

Local musician, Colgrain Whyte directs a group of boys from the National School of Music during an event at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

“Although it really originated in Trinidad and Tobago, if you look at the history of steel pan music you realize that it played a major role in the upbringing of children around the Caribbean,” Whyte said.
The musician noted that the steel pan might be the most inexpensive musical instrument.
“It may be the most inexpensive musical instrument in the world. It is crafted from a half of an oil drum; it is easy to make and very fun to play. Children are easily taken by it,” Colgrain explained.
He fell in love with the instrument at just seven years old. Whyte inherited the art of playing the pan from his father, Calvin Whyte, the owner of the Bidco Invaders Steel Pan Orchestra.
“My dad inherited the band from his cousin, Dan Sandiford, who had migrated to the United Kingdom (UK) leaving his band behind. I remember that the band went on overseas tours to Brazil, Cuba, Nicaragua, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and even Nigeria”, the musician said.
He recalled that “back in the day,” his father made a career out of playing the steel pans and “it fed the family and sent us to school… I had three siblings. We all learned to play the pans.”
But it was the melody of the pans that captivated him to this day. Whyte, who is currently employed as a dental technician continues to play the steel pans.
He has trained many youngsters in the art but explains that it has become more of a hobby for him.
Whyte says that in playing the instrument he finds a way to relax and in the same vein give back to community and invest in the future generation.
“I’ve had the privilege of training quite a number of youngsters…Some have migrated and are playing in bands overseas. It is a real joy to train them to pass on a skill to the next generation. My two children also play the steel pans,” he added.
Whyte said the Bosco Boys Orphanage at Plaisance East Coast Demerara, St. Andrews Kirk Church Youth Group and children of the Diplomatic Corps are among the groups he has worked with.
He said that the steel pan is “an animated piece of instrument that cannot be easily replaced. “
“I really don’t see steel pan going out of style. It’s unique to the Caribbean and it is our gift to the rest of the world. The art is an instrumental musical tool in the Caribbean. It our thing so to speak and it will remain one of the things that is special about us.”
During the Christmas season, the musician uses his talent to bring cheer to others; he has had the privilege of performing at Christmas concerts at various venues including Uncle Eddie’s home.
He believes that steel pan music is a real delight that should be experienced by every Caribbean native especially during this festive season.