Mashramani Panorama ignites Kingston beach

Feb 22, 2026 News

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By Shania Williams

(Kaieteur News) – A night of pure energy, soca, excitement and rising tension unfolded at Thursday’s Republic Bank 18th Mashramani Panorama Steel Pan Competition and Fete, held against the serene backdrop of Kingston Beach. What is usually a calm stretch of coastline was transformed into a pulsating arena of rhythm and celebration as steel met stick and the countdown to Mashramani intensified.

Hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the event captured the true essence of Caribbean culture and spirit, setting the tone for Guyana’s biggest cultural celebration. The evening blended electrifying performances from local soca artistes with thrilling renditions from young Guyanese pannists competing in the school, youth and large band categories.

The school bands that took to the stage were Tutorial High School, St. Stanislaus College, Dolphin Secondary School, North Ruimveldt Multilateral and President’s College. In the youth category, West Demerara Secondary School, The Bishops’ High School – New PanWave Project Steel Fusion, Kunjaz Youth Band, Guyana Police Force B Division Youth Band and Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra battled for top honours. The large band segment featured the Guyana Police Force Steel Band, Parkside Steel Orchestra and the Kunjaz Steel Orchestra.

Emerging victorious on the night were Kunjaz Steel Orchestra in the large band category, President’s College and St. Stanislaus College in the school category, and Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra among the youth bands — each delivering masterful renditions of popular soca hits by Guyanese artistes.

The crowd was anything but small. Kingston Beach seemed almost like a tiny speck compared to the hundreds who gathered. Patrons squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder for a clear view of the stage. Some came out in full support of their respective schools and communities, waving banners and chanting loudly, while others simply wanted to immerse themselves in the authentic steelpan culture. Those who arrived late faced the bitter task of scrambling for parking and weaving through the packed venue, determined not to miss their band’s performance.

The evening began with the school competition, each performance met with thunderous applause and high-pitched cheers. Tutorial High School, which has actively developed its steel band programme with new instruments from the Ministry of Education in 2019 and 2023, placed fourth this year. The school previously secured second place in the youth category in 2023, reflecting its steady growth.

Dolphin Secondary School, long regarded as a strong Panorama contender with victories in 2015, 2016 and 2019, claimed third place in this year’s competition.

In a dramatic finish, President’s College and St. Stanislaus College tied for first place. For President’s College, known proudly as the “Purple Blood Nation,” the victory marked a powerful comeback after failing to secure a placing last year. Students and supporters erupted in celebration as the announcement was made. Meanwhile, St. Stanislaus College continued to solidify its status as one of the country’s emerging steelband powerhouses, having recently performed at the 2025 Christmas Village and captured first prize at the Amity Steel Band Festival.

The youth category raised the energy even higher. Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra stole the spotlight with a commanding and energetic rendition of Adrian Dutchin’s “Display.” Their performance ignited the crowd and earned them the top spot, marking a triumphant return after placing third last year. The band previously captured the youth title in 2023, reinforcing its reputation as a consistent force in the competition.

Tying for second place were West Demerara Secondary School and Kunjaz Youth Band. West Demerara had secured first place last year with 256 points, making this year’s result a closely fought battle. Third place went to the Guyana Police Force B Division Youth Band, while The Bishops’ High School – New PanWave Project Steel Fusion placed fourth. Despite their ranking, Bishops’ drew loud praise from the audience for their vibrant stage presence, sporting bright blue wigs and dark shades while delivering Sharmane Blackman’s “Gi Dem Mo Fuh Talk.”

Throughout the night, patrons were further energized by live performances from Timothy Roberts, Samuel Medas and Adrian Dutchin, who kept the fete atmosphere alive between competitive segments.

The grand finale came with the highly anticipated large band competition. Defending champions Kunjaz Steel Orchestra delivered a powerful performance of Adrian Dutchin’s “Soca Doh Meh,” confidently defending their title for the eighth time. Their precision, volume and stage command left little doubt about their dominance.

Parkside Steel Orchestra secured second place, while the Guyana Police Force Steel Band rounded out the category in third.

As the final notes echoed across Kingston Beach and celebrations erupted among the winners, it was clear that Panorama once again proved why it remains a cornerstone of Guyana’s Mashramani festivities.  Panorama brings a vibrant fusion of youth talent, community pride and the unmistakable heartbeat of steelpan.

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• Kingston Beach, Mashramani, Panorama, Republic Bank, Soca, Steel Pan

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