Skinner Park in south Trinidad came alive with musical energy on January 10 as the National Panorama 2026 Small Conventional Bands Finals delivered a show worthy of steelband history. 

When the final notes faded and results were announced, it was confirmed that Southern Stars Steel Orchestra, a south-based band, and Uptown Fascinators Steel Orchestra from Tobago had both taken the top spot, tying for first place with 283 points each.

Southern Stars, affectionately known as D’ South Band, stirred national pride with their rendition of Merchant’s “Let Us Build a Nation Together”, arranged by legendary arranger Duvone Stewart.

With players dressed in red, white and black, the patriotic performance paid tribute to national leaders who helped shape the nation’s journey. 

Uptown Fascinators Steel Orchestra took audiences on a cosmic journey with their high-energy interpretation of Crazy’s “Band From Space.” Fully embracing the outer-space theme, players appeared in neon green alien-inspired costumes, while their arranger Ojay Richards commanded the band dressed as an astronaut.

The performance was a visual and musical spectacle, complete with flying spaceship props and a rocket that actually launched mid-performance, prompting cheers and applause from the audience. 

Despite being competitors, both bands celebrated their victory in unity.

Players were seen jumping up, hugging and congratulating each other showcasing the camaraderie of the steelband movement. 

Defending co-champions Golden Hands Steel Orchestra, who shared the title last year with T&TEC New East Side Dimension, placed third with 278 points for their lively performance of Atlantik’s “All Aboard.”

The event, however, was far from smooth. Early in the competition, an electrical outage affected the official timing clock, resulting in bands being unable to be timed. Pan Trinbago announced the issue and subsequently took the decision to cancel timing for all bands to ensure fairness across the competition.

Bands also faced logistical challenges moving across the stage, testing patience and coordination throughout the night.

At one point, Pan Trinbago President Beverley Ramsey-Moore made an impassioned appeal for volunteers to assist, as the exit process became increasingly difficult with instruments, and in some cases players, falling during attempts to clear the stage. 

Adding to the challenges of the night, intermittent rain swept across Skinner Park, but it failed to deter patrons, who remained in place under umbrellas and continued to enjoy the performances.

Tension briefly surfaced when Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin was announced as being in attendance, prompting boos from sections of the audience.

Despite the mishaps, the competition proceeded. Bands performed through the technical issues, stage delays and intermittent rain, delivering performances that kept the audience engaged and brought the Small Conventional Finals to a satisfying close.

In a congratulatory post, Pan Trinbago praised the competitors, stating:

“We extend heartfelt congratulations to the winners and commend all participating bands for their outstanding performances, dedication, and contribution to the continued excellence of the Steelband movement.”

Full results: 

1. Uptown Fascinators – Band from Space (283)

1. Southern Stars Steel Orchestra – Let us Build a Nation Together (283)

3. Golden Hands Steel Orchestra All Board (278)

4. Tunapuna Tipica Steel Orchestra – The Party Hot Hot Hot (276)

5. T&TEC New East Side Dimension – Water De Garden (275)

5. T&T Defence Force Steel Orchestra – All is Yours (275)

7. Fusion Steel orchestra – Signal for Lara (273)

8. Fascinators Pan Symphony – Both of Them (272)

8. Road Block Steel Orchestra – Guitar Pan (272)

10. Panasonic Connection Steel Orchestra – Drunk and Disorderly (267)

10. Alpha Pan Pioneers – Take me Home (267)

12. First Citizens Tobago Pan-Thers Steel Orchestra – Whap Cocoyea (266)

12. West Stars Steel Orchestra – No No We Eh Going Home (266) 

14. Tokyo Steel Orchestra – Jamtown (265) 

14. Plymouth Bethesda Steel Sensation – Dance Floor (265) 

16. Arima Golden Symphony Steel Orchestra – Both of Them (264)