Kunjaz declared best large band at Panorama 2023 | Buxton Steel Orchestra wins Youth category

Scores of steelpan lovers flocked the Kingston beach on Sunday evening to witness the most anticipated steelpan competition – PANORAMA! It was a refreshing experience at the beach front, compared to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall where it is usually held.

The scenery, the space, the stage set up, the loud speakers and the bars, created an extraordinary ambiance that set the patrons in the right mood to enjoy the entire event organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

The evening started off with Region 6 Youth Band, who opened the Youth Band category with a massive performance of “Living my Life”by Jumo Primo. Their performance secured them the third place position, tying with Queens College Steel Orchestra who performed “People” by Samuel Medas.

Tutorial High also performed Living my Life and copped the second place spot, since GBTI/Buxton Steel Orchestra had an unbeatable performance. They brought the audience to their feet, chanting and screaming after performing their rendition of “Oh Guyana”.

The Youth Bands certainly heightened the spirits of the crowd, who by this time were packed to the front of the stage awaiting the Large Band category where GTT Kunjaz All-star, Ansa McAl Parskside Steel Orchestra and the Guyana Police Force Steel Orchestra compete for the ultimate title of best band of the year!

GTT Kunjaz opened this category with their winning performance of “People” by Samuel Medas, setting the bar so high that the other two bands were competing for second place. Guyana Police Force were adjudged the second place winner, while Parkside came in third.

It was such a close competition the judges points revealed that they were just 2 points away from other. After the announcement of the results the audience was entertained with performances from Guyanese artistes, Carlvin Burnett, Freedom Boss, Samuel Medas, cKush, Gully Ras and Timeka Marshall.

Panorama is an annual Mashramani event organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, and by extension, the Government of Guyana. This is the 15th year it has been sponsored by Republic Bank.

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