Sir Clarence Oungku Edwards, founding member of Antigua and Barbuda’s iconic soca ensemble Burning Flames, has formally asserted his authorship of the hit song “Magician (I Command You)” amid its current performance by the Pan Elders Steel Orchestra. The distinguished musician clarified that he alone composed, arranged, produced, and originally performed the track as part of his group’s celebrated catalog.
In a public statement, Sir Clarence appealed to competition organizers and credit committees to properly acknowledge his creative ownership, emphasizing the need for accurate attribution in official documentation. This call for recognition highlights ongoing concerns about artistic rights within the Caribbean music scene.
Despite the authorship dispute, Sir Clarence extended generous praise toward Pan Elders Steel Orchestra for their interpretive performance. He specifically commended the arranger’s musical approach and described the players’ execution as technically impressive, acknowledging the skill involved in adapting the soca classic for steelpan instrumentation.
Expressing confidence in the ensemble’s competitive prospects, the veteran musician predicted a strong showing in upcoming finals based on the quality of both arrangement and performance. His supportive comments reflect a dual perspective—protecting intellectual property while appreciating artistic interpretation.
“Magician” remains one of Burning Flames’ most enduring compositions, maintaining widespread recognition throughout the Eastern Caribbean decades after its release. The situation underscores how soca music continues to influence contemporary steel orchestra repertoires, demonstrating the genre’s lasting impact on Caribbean cultural expression.