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"They thief, they thief, we want to see the score sheet," and so it goes every year, the cry echoes across pan yards and social media platforms: “They thief meh band!” Today, the pride of South Trinidad Radio and culture warriors radio station, WACK Visual Radio, boldly declared that Skiffle had won the 2025 Panorama competition. Comments in the shout box and from callers support the claim that Kenny Phillips, the radio presenter and WACK head, made. Regrettably, this declaration has turned into a cry of disappointment, a hasty response that frequently stems more from personal allegiances than from the actual judging criteria. They all know better, and Kenny, of all people—a music producer and "culture warrior"—knows better! In the 2025 Large Conventional Steelband competition, the narrative is no different... bush judges proclaimed winners—ahem, all wrong! Some supporters remain adamant—Skiffle was the true champion. But let’s strip away emotions and look at the facts.
One band, Exodus, made a lasting impression on the judges' scorecards from the very beginning of the preliminary rounds. They came in with purpose, delivering performances that consistently impressed the adjudicators at every stage. Yes, every band improved as the competition progressed; that is the very nature of Panorama. Musicians tweak their arrangements, refine execution, and elevate their artistry in response to judges’ critiques. And let’s be clear—that applied to Exodus as well. Hello, did you think they played the same arrangement for each round of competition? Oh, hell no, they tweaked theirs too. They weren’t simply coasting—they were listening, improving, and executing at the highest level.
The final scores revealed close margins, yet Exodus emerged victorious. Damn, it was super close, with Exodus scoring 288 points, second place BP Renegades scoring 285 points and third place going to Skiffle with 283 points. The victory was not a fluke nor a miscalculation. Indeed, the results were consistent, and Exodus earned their position. However, the pervasive tribalism within Panorama resurfaced, with some supporters disregarding the judges' expertise in favor of their instincts.
Given the scoring categories and criteria, I'm unsure where to start! I am certain that someone like Vanessa Headley-Brewster, who hosts the steelpan show on WACK Radio, the current small conventional steelband winner (tied for first with T&TEC New East Side Dimension), and who also judges, knows better! She should have said something about that...
Is Skiffle an excellent band? Absolutely. Did they perform magnificently? Without question. But were they “robbed”? That’s where emotion clouds judgment. Every year, fans passionately defend their favorites, often disregarding the meticulous process that decides the winner. It’s time to recognize the reality—Panorama is about musical excellence, not just fan loyalty. This year, Exodus proved they had the winning formula.
To all the self-proclaimed "bush judges" out there, let’s gain some perspective on the outcome: Talent, discipline, and precision prevailed in 2025. Exodus emerged as the winner, and they earned it. Give it a rest; let go of these aggrieved emotions. Soon, very soon, it will be time again to practice for another chance to really win it all... c'est la vie!
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Large Conventional Steelband Results
Republic Bank Exodus—Too Own Way—Voice—Terrance "BJ" Marcelle—288 Points
bp Renegades Steel Orchestra—Bet Meh—Machel Montano—Duvon Stewart—285
Heritage Petroleum Skiffle Steel Orchestra—Retro—Voice—André White—283
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Music Post: National Panorama Large Conventional Steelband Finals 2025
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Steelband Music ?
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