Hummingbird Silver Medal Awardee | Duvone Stewart | Host: Adanna Combie | Tobago Updates

Summary

In this interview, renowned steel pan musician and arranger Duvon Stewart discusses his recent achievement of receiving the prestigious Hummingbird Silver Medal for Arts and Culture in Trinidad and Tobago. He reflects on his journey, the impact of steel pan on his life, and his hopes for the instrument's future in education. Stewart emphasizes the need for more recognition and resources for steel pan in the local education system. He also shares his future plans, including more global master classes and an upcoming solo album of original music.

Takeaways

• 🎶 Duvon Stewart, a celebrated panist and musical arranger, recently received the prestigious Hummingbird Silver Award.
• 🎉 Stewart is proud and deeply humbled by the award, thanking his supporters, family, friends, and the steel pan fraternity.
• 🌍 Stewart’s international career includes giving masterclasses and workshops globally, with a focus on spreading love for the steel pan.
• 🇹🇹 The steel pan is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, a fact that Stewart sees as a huge honor but asks, 'What’s next?'
• 🎓 Stewart advocates for the steel pan to be integrated into the school system as a full-time subject rather than just an extracurricular activity.
• 🛠 Stewart highlights that Trinidad and Tobago still lacks a local drum factory, which forces the country to import drums from Japan.
• 💡 He expresses concern that despite the availability of education in steel pan, there are limited opportunities for graduates in Trinidad and Tobago.
• 🎵 Stewart plans to continue his international work, but also wants to return home and contribute more to the local steel pan community.
• 🎶 Stewart is working on new music and a solo album, which is expected to be released in 2025, with original compositions.
• 😊 Stewart expresses gratitude for the support from his local and international fans and remains passionate about the future of steel pan.

Q & A

Who is the interviewee in the conversation?

The interviewee is Duvon Stewart, a renowned panist and musical arranger from Tobago.

What recent achievement is Duvon Stewart being congratulated for?

Duvon Stewart recently received the Hummingbird Silver Medal for his contributions to arts and culture in Trinidad and Tobago.

How did Duvon Stewart react upon learning about his Hummingbird Silver Medal award?

He was very excited and grateful, thanking God and expressing deep humility for the recognition.

What does Duvon Stewart attribute his success to?

He attributes his success to the unwavering support of his parents, family, friends, supporters, and the steel pan fraternity.

What role does Duvon Stewart believe the steel pan should play in the education system of Trinidad and Tobago?

Duvon Stewart believes the steel pan should be a full-time part of the school curriculum in Trinidad and Tobago, not just an extracurricular activity.

What challenges does Duvon Stewart highlight regarding the steel pan industry in Trinidad and Tobago?

He highlights the lack of a local drum factory, the need to import drums from Japan, and the absence of career opportunities for students who study steel pan at university.

What is Duvon Stewart's stance on the international growth of the steel pan?

He acknowledges the international success of the steel pan, particularly in universities abroad, but emphasizes the need for more local support and development in Trinidad and Tobago.

What future plans does Duvon Stewart have for his career?

Duvon Stewart plans to continue teaching master classes and arranging music globally. He also aims to invest more time in creating new music and is working on an original solo album to be released in 2025.

What message does Duvon Stewart have for the younger generation regarding the steel pan?

He encourages the younger generation to see the potential in steel pan and believes it should be embraced as a viable career path, with greater opportunities for local talent.

How does Duvon Stewart plan to engage with the Tobago community in the future?

He plans to return home to Tobago to conduct classes and workshops for different age groups, although his schedule currently keeps him busy with international commitments.