In an unprecedented turn of events at Skinner Park, San Fernando, Southern Steel Orchestra (D’South Band) from Siparia and Uptown Fascinators from Tobago were crowned joint champions of the National Panorama Small Conventional Band Finals on January 10th. The remarkable deadlock occurred after both ensembles achieved identical scores following an intense musical showdown that extended into the early hours of January 11th.
The competition witnessed both bands maintaining dominant positions throughout the preliminary and semi-final rounds. When official scores were announced around 2 am, the identical point totals triggered immediate celebrations as musicians from both groups stormed the stage in shared triumph. The announcement by event host Jemma Jordan created such enthusiastic responses that stage managers temporarily struggled to maintain protocol during the trophy presentation ceremony attended by Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore, Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin, and Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Narindra Roopnarine.
This represents the second consecutive year where the small band championship has been shared between ensembles from Trinidad and Tobago, demonstrating the remarkable parity in the national steelpan scene. Last year’s co-champions, Golden Hands and T&TEC East New Dimension, were unable to defend their title successfully.
Golden Hands secured third position with 278 points despite facing significant adversity when a vehicle crashed into their rehearsal facility just hours before the competition. Their performance of ‘All Aboard,’ arranged by Vanessa Headley-Brewster, featured nautical-themed costumes and guest vocalist Tony Prescott.
Tunapuna Tipicia Steel Orchestra claimed fourth place with 276 points, while T&TEC East Side Dimension and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra tied for fifth position with 275 points each. The competition overall featured six separate ties among the sixteen finalist bands, highlighting the exceptionally close nature of the musical contest.
Uptown Fascinators delivered a visually spectacular performance of ‘Crazy’s Band From Space’ arranged by Ojay Richards, complete with science fiction costumes and a spaceship prop from which Richards made his theatrical exit. Richards noted that many prognosticators had expected East Side Dimension to claim victory, but his ensemble’s performance firmly established them as championship contenders.
D’South Band, performing in the ninth position, generated powerful patriotic sentiment with their presentation of ‘Let Us Build a Nation Together’ arranged by Duvone Stewart. Their performance incorporated national imagery featuring the President, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and THA Chief Secretary, alongside historical references and a voice-over recording by the late Dr. Eric Williams. This evocative presentation prompted some audience members to prematurely declare victory during the performance.
Rikella Marshall, vice-captain of D’South Band, emphasized the special significance of their victory, noting this marked only their third appearance in the competition and their second year collaborating with arranger Stewart. She credited two months of intense preparation and personal sacrifices by band members, many of whom are students balancing academic commitments with musical excellence.
Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin, attending her first small band finals since assuming office, praised the energetic contributions of young performers and reaffirmed governmental support for preserving cultural traditions. Meanwhile, Pan Trinbago president Ramsey-Moore congratulated all participating bands while expressing disappointment regarding logistical challenges including inadequate stage dimensions that contributed to scheduling delays. She apologized to attendees while clarifying that these issues were beyond the organization’s direct control.