6 TT pannists in Panograma finals

THERE are six TT solo pannists among the ten competitors in the Panograma finals. The top ten were chosen in the April 30 semi-final to move on to the final on May 3.

Panograma is an online pan competition held live on Instagram. It is the brainchild of TT pannist Nevin Roach. Roach came up with the idea to assist pannists in wake of lockdowns and the cancellation of events caused by the covid19 pandemic.

The event began with preliminaries on April 24 and 25 and 20 pannists performed. Fifteen were selected for the semi-final.

Roach in WhatsApp responses to Newsday said the semi-final was amazing. “All pannists brought their A-game and I was very happy that I was not tasked with judging the performances.

“The viewers created a vibrant and exciting atmosphere with their friends in the comments, thoroughly enjoying all Panograma had to offer,” he said.

Roach said he woke up on Friday to many “Good show last night” messages and he was happy everyone enjoyed the show.

He said people can look forward to more entertainment on Sunday. “Pannists will be leaving it all on the gram for the top prize…”

There will also be live performances by St Vincent ragga soca monarch Hance John; dancer Nandi and young pannist, Jadon Phillip from Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra, Roach said.

The winner of the competition gets US$500 and an online session with a world-renowned pannist. The runner-up gets US$200 and a session with the world-renowned pannist and second runner-up US$100 and three pairs of pan sticks.

Pan Trinbago, a sponsor of the event, will be giving a US $100 appearance fee to all finalists.

Showtime is 7 pm. To view the final visit Roach’s Instagram page – @iNEV88 –

Here are the finalists for Sunday’s show: -

Earl Brooks Jr–TT

Keishaun Julien– TT

Mark Forde–Barbados

Kersh Ramsey–TT

Dejean Cain– TT

Kern Sumerville– TT

Tyeesha Alexander– TT

Isidore ‘Dow’ York– St Maarten

Hashim Durant– Barbados

Amami Gomes– Antigua and Barbuda