The rhythmic allure of the steel pan, led by the virtuoso Khan Cordice, is set to captivate audiences at the 44th Antigua and Barbuda Independence Gala. The event, scheduled for Saturday, November 8, at the Toronto Grand Convention Centre, will feature Cordice as the Keynote Speaker, where he will share his artistic journey and profound insights into Caribbean music culture.
Cordice’s journey with the steel pan began serendipitously during his youth in Antigua and Barbuda. What started as an after-school visit to a steelpan yard with a friend quickly transformed into a lifelong passion. His innate talent was evident from the moment he first touched the instrument. By the age of 19, Cordice had already made history as the youngest arranger to win Panorama, the prestigious national steelpan competition of Antigua and Barbuda.
Over the years, Cordice’s prowess has only grown. Leading the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, he has secured an impressive 11 Panorama victories, including consecutive wins in 2024 and 2025—a record in his homeland. His excellence extends beyond Antigua and Barbuda; in 2025, he clinched the Panorama title in Trinidad and Tobago with the Republic Bank Exodus Steel Orchestra.
Beyond his musical achievements, Cordice is a cultural ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda. A former educator and now the country’s Director of Culture, he tirelessly promotes Caribbean artists on international stages, from North America to Japan. His dedication to preserving and elevating Caribbean culture has made him a beacon of excellence and pride for his nation.
The upcoming Independence Gala in Toronto promises to be a celebration of Caribbean heritage, with Cordice’s steel pan melodies serving as a testament to the region’s rich artistic legacy.