This post first appeared on Sokah2Soca, where Caribbean music meets wit, rhythm, and real talk. Island Vybe Radio spins the tunes—we decode the culture.
Today we journey from Antigua to Trinidad and Tobago for an intriguing story. But before we do so, we must mention the start of the new Panoarma season in 2026. On November 24, 2025, the Single Pan Steelband competition kicks off—where legacy meets lime, and every stick stroke tells a story. From panyards tucked deep in Laventille to backyards in Siparia, this is where the soul of steelpan lives: raw, rooted, and ready. No racks, no fancy setups—just one pan per player and a whole lot of fire.
This year, as the rhythm rises, Sokah2Soca turns the spotlight on a man who’s shaping the sound of two nations. The featured YouTube video is a must-watch for steelpan music enthusiasts.
So your question may be as follows: What does it take to shape the sound of two nations? It is a tale rooted in Antigua but with the true story of musicianship revealed in Trinidad. Khan Cordice on Drilling Exodus delves into his dual musical lives as an arranger for Antigua's iconic Hells Gate Steel Orchestra and a drill master for Trinidad & Tobago's Republic Bank Exodus. It’s not just a job—it’s a cultural calling.
? Highlights from the interview:
- His journey from the shores of Antigua to the Panorama stage in Trinidad
- The discipline and precision behind his drilling techniques
- How he balances tradition, innovation, and identity across two pan cultures
- The emotional and logistical intensity of Panorama prep
Khan’s story is a masterclass in musical leadership, bridging Caribbean rhythms with purpose and pride. And if you want to feel the energy he helps create, check out If it’s one thing, we can always count on Republic Bank—a flashback to Carnival vibes with Exodus in full swing.
Sokah2Soca celebrates Khan’s cross-island impact—proof that pan is more than music. It’s movement, memory, and mastery.
Let us spread awareness of the Caribbean diaspora's culture.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
YouTube—From Antigua to Trinidad: Khan Cordice on Drilling Exodus & Arranging Hells Gate
Origin: Antigua
Steelband: Hellsgate (Antigua) and Exodus (Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago) ????
Genre: Steelband Music ?
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