Gemonites Steel Orchestra moving into global market

Wednesday February 04 2004

by Eucelia Hill

The year has just begun and one of Antigua & Barbuda's premier steel orchestras has already set the tone, or should we say rhythm, for others to follow.

Last Friday night marked the groundbreaking launch of the Gemonites Steel Orchestra's first DVD, featuring performances from Moods of Pan 2002, at the Heritage Hotel.

Emcee and radio personality Sam Roberts told the gathering that this was the first time steel pan was recorded on DVD, and it enabled pan enthusiasts to not only listen to the music but also see and feel apart of the action.

"The music of Antigua & Barbuda and the talent of this country is now available to a wider cross section. It should not be seen as a Gemonites project, but this should be seen as Antigua's first step into the real world," he said.

Roberts noted that Antigua was initially the pioneers of the artform, but "it had declined in popularity. The effect of this (DVD), we hope, is that a hunger will be awakened in a greater number of our people."

President of the Chamber of Commerce Clarvis Joseph in his remarks, congratulated Gemonites on "going to the next step," but challenged them to look even further into the development of Moods of Pan.

"You must go to the next step. You must take this idea and it must become expansive and inclusive. I would like to urge Gemonites, and there are a lot of people willing, able and anxious to watch you blow Moods of Pan into the premier Caribbean festival. It is the last avenue for a musical festival," Joseph said. He also suggested that Gemonites organise a world Moods of Pan festival.

Pan enthusiast and Gemonites fan, Conrad Luke also spoke at the function and called for more public support.

"It is important that many people come together to bring expertise to the fore so Moods of Pan becomes a collective organised activity," he said.

The audience was also treated to clips from the DVD, which include performances from Lord Relator, Edimelo, Curtis "CC" Cochrane, Samaroo Jets and excerpts from Five Alive competition. The DVD is two hours long.

The project was sponsored by Carib Seas, the St. John's Development Corporation, Bailey's Jewellery and Brownies Bakery.