By Michael Max Martin Sunday, November 8 2009

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BOBBY Mohammed (left) receives a certificate of appreciation from Dr Selvon Nanan, Chairman of Lauderhill Steelband Ensemble, for having set a new sta...

Lennox “Bobby” Mohammed, leader/arranger of Guinness Cavaliers, San Fernando’s champion steel orchestra from the 1960s to early ‘70s, is “most happy to have returned last week from a holiday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.” He spent six weeks with wife Myrtle at the home of steelband historian Ian Franklin, his wife Joan and daughter Iyana.

“What an exciting trip it was,” says Bobby.

He got involved with the Lauderhill Steel Ensemble in Miami’s Panorama competition. “This young steelband comprising mixed players entered the Panorama for the first time, but produced a good sound despite being inexperienced. I could not arrange much for them. They came through OK,” Bobby revealed.

The band members were very, very happy and proud “that I, as an icon of steelpan development in Trinidad and Tobago, came to arrange for their band. They were elated. Although I have not been arranging for some time they responded quite well to advice and direction.” This steelband can be seen on YouTube on the internet in the Panorama, Bobby said. Winners this year were Miami Symphony, Branches and Pan Explo.

Bobby added that the Miami Panorama “has been going on for about six years now, but needs developing; steelbands usually field just about a stage side that would carry 17 to 30 players.”

The steelpan icon also got involved with a parang group led by Jose Hosein and friend Anton. Anton played iron for the Lauderhill Steel Ensemble in the Panorama. Members of this parang group were raising funds to buy instruments.

“I was moved to meet so many countrymen and they me, pleased that I was getting back into pan music.”

Mohammed visited Miami where he performed in a concert on Friday, October 23, for TT’s Consulate Office hosted by the Consul General Ms Laura West and her Deputy Kirk Francois.

When they returned home to Fort Lauderdale, they were treated to a reception where Mohammed met with many prominent citizens.

Mohammed, now 67, lamented being slighted by radio programming at home. He had defeated many pan giants in his time but was virtually forgotten in the media, he says. This, he explained, was why so many musicians have had to leave the land of the birth of the steelpan to flourish on more welcoming shores. “A prophet is not known in his own country,” he reminded.

While Mohammed has undeniably achieved much, as recognised by steelpan aficionados, he feels he has much more to do. Now, he plans to produce some of his compositions in a gospel style.

“I thank God for the talents he has given me. The best is yet to be, I am not finished,” he said.