Steelband music pioneers bring the Caribbean beat to Aotearoa, New Zealand

BY BRIDGETT LESLIE

Professor Camille Nakhid knows the impact that culture has on society. She has dedicated years of research and practice in this field at various organisations, including the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Her work with Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Caribbean Steelpan Orchestra band for 18 years has made a lasting impression, leaving its mark beyond mere music – even imprinted into their motto: “Don’t worry. We’ll bring the sun.” Their vibrant Caribbean steelpan instruments create sounds that help us reconnect to our identity and feel joy from their reimagined classics!

Music has the power to connect us in ways that transcend stereotypes and boundaries, something the former Champ Fleurs/Trinidad and Tobago resident knew all too well. Longing for home inspired her to form a band with five other like-minded Caribbean individuals who shared an appreciation of steel drum music. Though, initially, some of them not knowing how to play the instruments, this group persevered and grew the number of band members, playing at numerous events until finally hosting Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Steelband Festival in 2018, bringing together over 100 passionate people from around the country! She ponders over her research. “African and other groups brought their music and dances with them. Caribbean islanders have been coming here and only brought their love for cricket. That is why we bring the music.”

The band is made up of, at times, fourteen members, including the steelpan players, a drummer, and percussionists. The steel pan is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbeanz Southern Stars Steelband is passionate about promoting this unique musical style. In addition to playing traditional Caribbean music, the band performs contemporary pop and rock tunes with a Caribbean twist. The steelpan is an iconic musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, and its history dates back to the late 19th century. This unique instrument was created as a result of the fusion of the different drumming styles brought to the islands by groups such as the, Kalinago (Carib) enslaved Africans and indentured East Indians. The original steelpans were made from discarded oil drums that were beaten flat with hammers and heated with fire to create a resonating surface.

It was not until the 1930s that Trinbagonian musicians and inventors began experimenting with different shapes and sizes of steelpans in order to produce better sounds. They eventually created pans that could produce a range of tones, from low bass notes to high-pitched treble notes. This allowed for more complex melodies than what was possible with traditional drums. Today, the steelpan is one of the most unique instruments in existence, having gone through countless refinements over several generations.

Caribbeanz Southern Stars Steelband is your gateway to a vibrant, diverse culture. According to Nakhid, their music has the power to open people’s eyes and challenge preconceived notions about island life: “Music speaks louder than words – with it, we can expand perspectives beyond Caribbean stereotypes and explore topics of race in new ways.” In addition to being an amazing musical experience for listeners around the world, this band from Trinidad and Tobago, and with members from around the world, also serves as an incredible teachable moment that helps build cultural awareness. Nakhid ponders over the band’s impact on the Pacific nation of Aotearoa New Zealand, “We don’t have a whole setta people, but where we play, we make an impact.”

The Caribbeanz Southern Stars Steelband has an undeniable bond that transcends the ordinary. To them, the band is more than just a group of musicians; they consider each other family. Through music, this powerful connection serves as a reminder to keep moving forward in life even when times are tough – and with rhythms so soulful no one can resist singing along! By keeping their distinct sound alive, these stars will continue to bring sunlight into every corner of the world.

To find out more about the band, please visit https://www.caribbeanz.org/