AD - Antigua & Barbuda

Steel Band
Greats
Eustace “Manning” Henry -- A giant in the steelband movement, he is regarded as
one of its pioneers. Manning assumed the captaincy of Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra
in 1964 and remained as its captain and manager for many, many years. He is an
outstanding pan builder, player, tuner and captain. One of his shining moments was
in 1997 when he and his son Veron were invited to Aruba to assist in the revival of
steelband music on the island. In 2002, Manning was inducted into the Carnival Hall
of Fame.
Bruce “Fundo” Bloodman – Another pioneer of pan, Fundo, who was born on
November 6, 1932, was one of the leading members of the Hell’s Gate Steel Ochestra
in its early days. He joined the band along with his companions, George and Elick
Williams and travelled with the band on various trips abroad. On one such trip to St.
Thomas, his performance on the double tenor pan was so impressive that many called
for the re-naming of the double tenor as the “Fundo tenor.” He resided in St. Thomas for
a number of years and formed the “Charlotte Amalie High Shooting Stars” steelband. He
has inspired many young pannists, and who can forget his solo presentation of “Cantata”
which is forever etched in the minds of many pan lovers. Over the years he has been
associated with Harmonites, BPL Supa Stars, Rising Sun and his own steelband, “Fundo
Serenaders” which he formed in 1968. In 2003, Fundo was inducted into the Carnival
Hall of Fame. He has since passed on.
Eustace “Gatouks” Harris – As a member of Stardust which was an offshoot of Red
Army, Gatouks spent a lot of time observing “Chisland,” who built pans for various bands,
and from an early age, he became fascinated with pan building. In the late 1960’s he left
Star Dust to play with Brute Force, and was denied the opportunity to play in Panorama
1968 with the band. Soon after, Gatouks, whose mindset was permanently fixed on pan
building, left the band and started experimenting with his dream. Today, Gatouks is a
master of the art of pan building.
Rupert “Teela” Parker -- A foundation member of Harmonites International Steel
Orchestra, Teela, over the years, has served in the capacity as captain and arranger of
the steel band. He has taught many in the Point and other areas around Antigua to play
the pan. A pioneer in the steelband movement, Teela captained Harmonites in 1968
when they tied with Brute Force. He captain the band to their Championship titles in
1971, 1972 and 1974. In 1968, he arranged ‘Miss Tourist,” the winning piece. With four
Steelband Championship titles in seven years, under his captaincy in 1974, Harmonites
won the “band of the year” title, for their presentation of “Interplanetary Sailors,” a title
which is usually won by the number one Carnival mas troupe.
Victor “Babu” Samuel – Hailed as one of Antigua and Barbuda’s best pan player and
arranger today, Babu captained Halcyon Steel Orchestra in 1978 and 1979 when they
won their second and third Steelband Championship titles. In 1986 and 1987, the band
won two other Championships, and in 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995, they enjoyed the
status of being the only band in Antigua and further afield to four peat in a Steelband
Championship competition. Babu was the arranger during those glorious years.
come celebrate
our
golden jubilee