Pan fraternity grieves for Mark Loquan

THE steelpan fraternity is mourning the loss of former NGC head and musician Mark Loquan, whose contribution to the development of the movement has been invaluable. Loquan passed away on April 6 after a fight with cancer.

Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore, in a release on April 7, said Loquan’s impact on the steelpan community is immeasurable.

“From his early days as a player with Silver Stars to becoming one of the most influential composers in the Panorama arena, his compositions, such as Fire and Steel, Colours Again, and Hooked, resonated with steelbands locally and internationally, winning Panorama titles and leaving a lasting legacy.”

She said Loquan’s collaborations with arrangers like Amrit Samaroo, Edwin Pouchet, Ken “Professor” Philmore, and Seion Gomez, showcased his dedication to the art form.

“As the founder of the Music Literacy Trust, Mark worked tirelessly to ensure that children from at-risk communities had access to music education, fostering a new generation of musicians. His contributions extended beyond composition, as through PanNotation, he played a pivotal role in the preservation and accessibility of steelpan music scores, ensuring the art form’s continuity through education and documentation.”

Ramsey-Moore said in Loquan’s corporate capacity as a former executive at NGC, he championed sponsorships for steelbands, further solidifying the national and corporate support for the movement. His dedication to the advancement of the steelpan was recognised at the highest level when he was awarded the Order of the Republic of TT for his outstanding contributions.

“Mark Loquan’s passion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the Steelpan will forever be remembered. His music, his advocacy, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. May he rest in eternal peace.”

Photographer Maria Nunes, who worked with Loquan on the film projects Woman in Pan and Panyard Universe, said witnessing what Loquan went through in the past year after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, the most severe type of brain cancer will forever stay with her.

“To say that it has changed my life is not an overstatement. Mark faced his trials with such calm and grace and though we are overcome now with the terrible sadness of loss, our tear-filled eyes are buoyed somehow by the bright, bright light of his life, a light that will never be dimmed.

“Mark’s contribution to the world of steelpan is enormous. His actions were consequential in ways that will impact for generations. He was a man of clear-eyed vision and unwavering commitment to do whatever he possibly could to build A Better Tomorrow for TT through the steelpan. He saw the endless possibilities of our beloved national instrument and over the last 25 years he enjoined numerous people here at home, and internationally, to work with him to realise his rock solid vision of where we should be headed.

“The extent of what his legacy in steelpan really and truly is needs to be unpacked and deeply contemplated, and then acted upon, so that the work he so generously dedicated himself can come into its fullness and live on.”

Nunes said the work the two did between October 2020 and August 2024 has transformed her life and the lives of many others.

“I will be forever filled with gratitude to have had such a wonderful opportunity to work so closely with such an extraordinary, generous, and deeply sincere man. There truly wasn’t anyone else like him, not even close.”

Steelpan arranger Amrit Samaroo said Loquan’s contribution and service to TT was immense.

“You left a hole in the hearts of many who were lucky to have known you. Rest in peace my friend, thanks for the music.”

National Steel Symphony Orchestra of TT artistic director and conductor Akua Leith thanked Loquan for what he had done for the steelpan fraternity and TT.

Manette Academy of Music director Barry Mannette said Loquan’s contributions to TT were too numerous to mention.

“He had a passion and love for the steelpan which featured prominently in his compositions and his generosity. RIP Mark, many of us wouldn’t be where we are today without your kindness.

Pannist Kern Summerville said Loquan represented true support in steelpan culture.

“In my younger years in the steelpan fraternity, I always heard about Mark and his compositions. In 2006, Colors Again was the first of his many works that I heard and loved. Then, in 2019, he introduced My Home, a beautiful composition, and attending his concert was one of the most memorable experiences for me.

“It is now an honor and a pleasure to have met him and to call him a dear friend and mentor. I am truly thankful for his wise advice, constant support, and genuine care. His impact on the arts and the energy sector in our country is unforgettable. We have truly lost a remarkable person.”