This post first appeared on Kaiso Dial, where Caribbean music meets wit, rhythm, and real talk. Island Vybe Radio spins the tunes—we decode the culture.
Sorry, All Stars, Renegades, and Silver Stars—we look to the East once again for the champion large steelband.Tonight, we witnessed the full power of steelband music—precision, passion, and pure Trinbago brilliance. From the first roll to the final cadenza, each orchestra brought its own heartbeat to the stage, shaping a night that will live long in the memory of every pan lover.
The first two bands were electric, with Massy Trinidad All Stars receiving a standing ovation and extended applause. Renegades brought the big sound to the stage, and Exodus did not disappoint. Then again, Nutrien Silver Stars wowed with their rendition of "Respectfully Yours," sung by Full Blown.
Online chat bush judges were busy picking winners and providing reasons for favorites not making it to the top three places. Having said that, it was an amazing night, and, in the end, steelband music lovers enjoyed it all.
The lineup/order of appearance was nothing short of historic:
- First Citizens Supernovas with Rum & Coca-Cola—Kes—arranged by Amrit Samaroo
- Massy Trinidad All Stars with The Will—Scrunter—arranged by Dr. Leon “Smooth” Edwards
- BP Renegades with The Lizard—Mighty Sparrow—arranged by Duvonne Stewart
- Proman Starlift with Last Train—Mical Teja—arranged by Dante Pantin
- Nutrien Silver Stars with Respectfully—Yours Full Blown—arranged by Ojay Richards
- Phase II Pan Groove with Trouble—Freetown Collective—arranged by Dr. Len “Boogsie” Sharpe
- T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps with Last Train—Mical Teja—arranged by Clarence Morris
- Desperadoes with We Calypso—Karene Asche x Mical Teja—arranged by Carlton “Zanda” Alexander
- Republic Bank Exodus with Cyah Behave—Voice—arranged by Terrance “BJ” Marcelle
- Katzenjammers with Too Young to Soca—Machel Montano—arranged by Kersh Ramsey
- Skiffle with Cyah Behave—Voice—arranged by Andre White
- Republic Bank Exodus with Cyah Behave—Voice—Terrance “BJ” Marcelle—289
- BP Renegades with The Lizard—Mighty Sparrow—Duvonne Stewart—288
- Nutrien Silver Stars with Respectfully—Yours Full Blown—Ojay Richards—287
- Desperadoes with We Calypso—Karene Asche x Mical Teja—Zanda—284
- Massy Trinidad All Stars with The Will—Scrunter—"Smooth" Edwards—283
- Skiffle with Cyah Behave—Voice—Andre White—282
- Katzenjammers with Too Young to Soca—Machel Montano—Kersh Ramsey—281
- Phase II Pan Groove with Trouble—Freetown Collective—Boogsie—280
- T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps with Last Train—Mical Teja—Clarence Morris—278
- Proman Starlift with Last Train—Mical Teja—Dante Pantin—277
- First Citizens Supernovas with Rum & Coca-Cola—Kes—Amrit Samaroo—274
