The 2026 SMC Senior Panorama finals concluded with a historic victory for Nexa New Dimension Steel Orchestra, which claimed its landmark 15th National Senior Panorama title after closing out the night’s competition as the final performing band. Taking the stage as the 8th and last act of the evening, the ensemble delivered a standout performance of Cordel Byam’s arrangement of Sakinah’s popular hit “I Got Me”, earning a total score of 281 points to secure the top position on the leaderboard.
Second place went to Republic Bank Angel Harps, which racked up 273 points for its dynamic interpretation of Mr Gold’N’s “Down in Greenz”, arranged by Orlando Thomas and Gerard “Gerry” Tamar. Closing out the top three was IMA Rainbow City All Stars, which earned 267 points for its rendition of Shortpree’s “Town Action” under the musical direction of arranger Jevon Andrews. Rounding out the full top eight results were Pan Wizards in fourth with 264 points for “The Return”, Co-op Bank Commancheros in fifth with 260 points for “Party Different”, Gravel & Concrete Pan Angels in sixth with 241 points, Pan Ossia in seventh with 240 points, and debuting ensemble St Mark’s All Stars in eighth with 231 points for their performance of “No Place Sweeter Than Home”.
Founded in March 1988, Nexa New Dimension has long held its reputation as one of Grenada’s most successful and consistent steel orchestras. Beyond its newly added 15th National Senior Panorama title, the band also holds seven wins from the Pan Xpressions competitions, cementing its status as a powerhouse in the local steelpan community.
Every high-stakes competition result is built on months of unseen dedication, and this year’s Panorama was no exception. Band members and support crews launched their on-site operations hours before the first performance, working through pre-event logistics that included hauling heavy instrument stands, positioning dozens of steel pans across the stage, and running final rehearsals to refine every note. The grueling work extended long after the final score was announced, with crews loading instruments back onto trucks, returning equipment to pan yards, and transporting members home after the competition wrapped up past midnight. One participating band member shared that he did not arrive back at his residence until 9 a.m. the following Sunday, a testament to the relentless effort required to pull off the annual event.
Beyond the competition, the 2026 finals opened with a heartfelt tribute to six recently deceased pillars of Grenada’s steelpan movement, honoring their lifelong contributions to growing and preserving the cultural art form. The six contributors recognized during the ceremony were Denis “Moppy, Briggy” Philip, Kenton “Fry” Roberts, Roger “Jazzy” DePradine, Othniel “Boogsie” St Claire, Mykal “Blaize” Robertson, and Joanna Radgill Leslie.
The evening also celebrated the breadth and future of Grenada’s steelpan culture. Calypso competitor Valene Nedd opened the event with a special tribute performance “Big Up D Pan Man”, honoring the work of both male and female pan players and enthusiasts across the country. A key highlight of this year’s competition was the visible intergenerational participation, with multiple bands pairing seasoned veteran performers with young musicians as young as 7 years old. Additionally, St Mark’s All Stars made their first ever appearance on the national Panorama stage, marking a new milestone for the community. This combination of emerging young talent and new competing groups underscores the steady growth and evolving future of steelpan artistry among Grenada’s younger generations, tied to Spicemas carnival celebrations.