“We Will Rise Together” is the signature song for our project “Songs For Humanity”. It praises the power of people and beckons everyone to join together and become a beacon of hope for the future. ~Waleed Abdulhamid
Honoured to be a part of this project.
Best listened with speakers or earphones.
Remembering Jerry Jerome
The steelpan community has lost a great man. He was a cultural ambassador who made, recorded, played, and taught the steelpan and created carnival costumes too. He was a friendly person always willing to come out to play for schools and community.
I remember the day I met Jerry. It was a Sunday afternoon and I went to Harbourfront to enjoy one of their many summer festivals. I had just finished watching a performance on the main stage and as I was leaving I heard the faint sound of the steelpan. I looked around and did not see where the music was coming from but was determined to find it.
I crossed the bridge and continued walking until I saw a little hill and on it was a small man playing two steelpans. I smiled and walked right over to him. Without saying anything he presented his sticks to me to play his instrument. I had never played a double-tenor steelpan before however I created a rhythm. “You play pan?”, he said. “Not this one”, I said. ”Tenor”.
From them he invited me to perform on gigs with him, Tunka, Jeff and sometimes Ken.
I enjoyed it as it was different to performing with a steelband whereby you have a set repertoire. Every gig I would learn new songs like Cherry Pink, And I Love Her, and have the opportunity to add my own songs.
We played at beautiful weddings out of the city, extravagant birthday bashes on the beach, elementary schools, holiday events and even for cultural celebrations.
Every gig I learned a little more about Jerry. He told me about performing in Bermuda and being invited to play at the Regal Constellation Hotel by the Airport for a few weeks and it ended up turning into a few years. Those were some juicy stories. I will cherish those conversations.
My mother reminded me about Jerry Jerome at Caravan back in the 80’s. As a child, I attended an annual week-long multicultural celebration called Caravan. You could purchase a “passport” and visit different pavilions in various neighbourhoods around the city showcasing cultures of the world in a show. I remember attending the Trinidad and Tobago pavilion “Port of Spain”. Upon arrival, you would be immersed in the smells, sites, and sounds of the Caribbean. The food was always amazing, the costumes were brilliant hues, and the entertainment was always fun. Calypso, limbo, and steelpan. My mother mentioned he always sang “The Big Bamboo” song for the audience. I do not remember him personally but I find it pretty amazing that decades later we would share time, space, and music.
Last September I had the opportunity, to play my last gig with Jerry.
I remember watching him play. He was looking off into the distance for the longest time as if in deep thought. Funny thing is that he kept playing his pan -his hands knew exactly where to go. Notes were flying and he didn’t once make a mistake. Months after I was told he was sick.
Thank you Jerry for the love and light that you shared with us. You laid a path for those that came behind and for that we will always be grateful.
If you would like to use any photos without the watermark, kindly send me a message through the contact page.
World Steelpan Day
August 11th is World Steelpan Day
Take some time to learn about the history, development or what’s happening in steelpan around the world. Listen to some steelpan, and wish a pannist or pan lover “Happy World Steelpan Day”.
What an honour, I WON!!!
WHAT AN HONOUR, I WON!!!
Special THANKS to those that nominated me for the ByBlacks.com 2019 People's Choice Awards - Best Black Canadian Musician for 2019! As well, CONGRATULATIONS to all of the winners in the other categories. SHOUT OUT to the nominees in my category.
There were so many heartfelt messages from people who have been a part of and seen the journey of my work with the steelpan. I have great pride in using this instrument as a tool to "ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE & INSPIRE" people from all walks of life.
SHOUT OUT to my family & friends, always being there to give love, a helping hand, and pushing me to give my best always. The pan community, you all show encouragement and it is always appreciated. To my supporters, you all continue to show up at my events and invite me to be a part of your lives.
I am forever grateful.
THANK YOU to ByBlacks.com for creating these awards and honouring Black Canadians who are pursuing their passions to make a difference!
Celebrating Black Creatives at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario
We’re marking Black History Month with family-friendly activities that highlight the artistic, social, scientific and political contributions being made by Black Creatives in North America.
This February, the AGO is celebrating Black History Month with enlightening, fun-filled family programming as part of a month of Family Sundays: A Celebration of Black Creatives. Bring your whole family to participate in tours, hear in-gallery spoken word performances and the sounds of a steel pan, write poetry, read books focused on Black Canadians and make art in The Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre, inspired by the first Black female astronaut.
Shifting focus away from the historical to the contemporary, the AGO has curated an assortment of captivating performances and interactive family activities highlighting the artistic, social, scientific and political contributions currently being made by Black creatives in North America.
Using their unique lenses to respond to various works in the AGO Collection, three emerging Toronto-based spoken word artists will be delivering live performances in-gallery. Poet and Tkaronto Community healer Jayda Marley, singer/songwriter I.M.F., and up-and-coming artist Glyphs will alternate performances each Sunday giving you a new, poetic spin on some of their favourite artworks currently on view.
Bring the kids and head to the Weston Family Learning Centre and blast into the stratosphere with a craft activity inspired by the monumental work of Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black female astronaut. Kids of all ages can create planets or stars with shiny papers, silver tape, foil and other intergalactic materials, all while learning about Dr. Jemison’s important legacy.
How about a relaxing stroll through the Gallery while being serenaded by the calming sounds of steel pan? Originating from Trinidad and Tobago in the early 20th century, the hammered, shiny metal pans are an icon of Caribbean music and culture. In-gallery performances featuring steel pannist Suzette Vidale will be happening at 2 and 3 pm every Sunday.
Then head down to the Concourse level for Where is Home – a family-focused mix-and-match found poetry activity featuring words inspired by artist Sandra Brewster’s exhibition, Blur. You’ll be encouraged to use random words to construct poems that reflect the ideas of home, togetherness and community. Once you’ve exhausted your creative energy, head to our kids’ reading corner and discover a selection of educational children’s books curated by University of Toronto student, Becks Lafranc.
Come and celebrate Family Sundays: A Celebration of Black Creatives with us all February long!
Family Sunday festivities, admission to the AGO Collection and all special exhibitions are always free for AGO Members, AGO Annual Pass holders and visitors 25 and under.
Instagram Feed
Be sure to follow me on instagram @SteelpanWithSuzette
Celebrating 6 Years of Marriage
in Weddings
Happy 6th anniversary to Mar & Ben! Thank you for making me a part of your dream wedding!
Looking forward to performing at your 10th, 25th & 50th wedding anniversary! LOVE WINS AGAIN!
Weekend Wedding Pics
in Weddings
Special thanks to Priscilla for allowing me to honour her and her guests with my music!
Fall Weddings
Who knew how popular weddings would be in October! SHOUT OUT to the clients I met at the Peel Bridal show this past March. Looking forward to performing for all of you & your guests this month! SHOUT OUT to my PHENOMENAL team who EXECUTED -last quarter of the year and weddings are in full effect!
#femalesteelpannist #womaninsteel #womaninpan #femalepansoloist #torontosteelpan #torontopan #canadasteelpan #steelpancanada #steelpantoronto #torontosteelpan
6th Annual Frank Forde Golf Tournament
Proceeds from this annual event go towards building a home in St. Lucia for a disadvantaged family.
SHOUT OUT to all who helped make this day possible, sponsors Rod Hanna from @travelstlucia, Laura from @chairmansreserveofficial, @jameazuberi, the organization St. Lucian Youth in Canada @slutoronto
#stluciatorontoassociation @chairmansreserve758 #KLCEasternCarribeanFreightLinesLtd
#golfwithfrank #golfingforacause #slta #steelpanwithsuzette #FrankFordeGolfTournament #steelpansaturdays #steelpan
Happy 57th Independencce Trinidad & Tobago
Thank you to the Durham T&T Committee who invited me to play the Canadian and Trinidad & Tobago National Anthem at their Flag Raising & Cultural Show.
Friends and Dem Annual Picnic at Petit Coat Creek
What a JOY is was to introduce the steelpan to children for the first time with a hands on experience at the #FriendsAndDem Annual Family Fun Day in #Pickering! I HAD A BLAST!
The kids had FUN!!!
It was great interacting with them, they listened so well, and had great questions. I am proud of them.
SHOUT OUT Carla Fabien for inviting me. WE MADE IT HAPPEN!
I met some new people & got a chance to reconnect with some I hadn't seen in years!
SHOUT OUT to @trinisunshine1 & @jollytappin - It was truly a pleasure!
Congratulations Shontel and Sydney
CONGRATULATIONS Shontel & Sydney!!! Thank you for inviting me to perform and be a part of your special day!
Caribbean Cultural Celebration at Michael Garron Hospital
THANK YOU @michaelgarronhospital for inviting me to be a part of your 1st Caribbean Cultural Celebration.
There was Calypso, Mas & of course Steelpan!
I had a great time giving the attendees a brief lesson after my performance.
SHOUT OUT to @ryan.peters.39 who jammed with me on the steelpan!
Special thanks to @valerie.cruickshank.7 for the invite!!! I had a great time, looking forward to next year!
SOS | ONE EVOLUTION
What an honour it was to be invited to be a part of Sons of Steel, One Evolution, steelpan concert.
more to come…
July 27th 2019 Featuring: Earl La Pierre Sr, Suzette Vidale, Rudo Forteau, Mark Mosca, Earl Brooks Jr, Noel La Pierre & Earl La Pierre Jr all backed by Bruce Skerritt and the Liamuiga Project
Photos taken by TEEOGRAPHY
To see the complete album visit facebook.com/panmanonduty
A Little Touch of Caribbean
A Little Touch of Caribbean today @uoft Mississauga campus!
SHOUT OUT to @carnivalspice who led the Caribbean Dance Workout! Everyone had a great time!
Afterwards, I was a part of the Lunch & Learn series which spoke about the origins & importance of Carnival.
My interactive presentation touched on the development of the steelpan & also had a HANDS ON, LET'S PLAY PAN component!
SHOUT OUT to Martina Douglas from @uoft Mississauga, Jessica Rayne from @harthouseuoft & Zoe Dille from @harthouseuoft, without you I wouldn't have been a part of this whole experience!
#lunchandlearn #caribbeanhistory#steelpanhistory #panineducation#steelpanwithsuzette #steelpan#steelpanfun #handson
#grouplearning
SONS OF STEEL
Less than a week away!
I am looking forward to gracing the stage with some of the most phenomenal pannists this Saturday!
Miles Away in the Caribbean Book Launch with Author Yolanda T. Marshall
CONGRATULATIONS to @author_ytm on the launch of her latest book "Miles Away In The Caribbean". She took us on a journey through the beautiful islands of the Caribbean & showed us what made each one special!
Limin' in Lopinot
Beware of the ghost of Charles Joseph De Lopinot de la Fresilliere, a French Count who came to Trinidad in 1800.
He roams his estate house located in the village named after him (Lopinot). He was granted 478 acres of land by the King of England, planted cocoa & renamed his estate La Reconnaissance.
The estate house has been made into a small museum.
I had the opportunity to play parang on pan with The Lara Brothers in Lopinot! (see photo)
The Lara Brothers made up of Antonio, Tito, Willie, Victor and their father lgnacio became one of the most popular parang bands in Trinidad & Tobago.
Parang is folk music traditionally sung in Spanish.
Growing up our family listened to Parang music every Christmas season. To visit Lopinot, a village famous for its Parang was AMAZING!!! THANK YOU @derrickvi868 for this opportunity ❤
HAPPY CANADA DAY
While in Trinidad & Tobago, I took a moment to wish fellow Canadians a Happy Canada Day with the playing of the Canadian National Anthem.