The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago officially designated the steelpan as its national musical instrument.

The announcement follows the passage of the National Musical Instrument Bill, 2024, in the House of Representatives and Senate.

The Act, passed on June 13, 2024, enshrines the steelpan’s status in law and the Bill recognises the steelpan not only as a symbol of national pride but as a pivotal element of the nation’s cultural and musical identity.

The Bill defines the steelpan as a definite pitch percussion instrument characterised by its concave playing surface, which is divided into sections each tuned to a distinct pitch. This official designation aims to celebrate and preserve the instrument’s heritage, given its origins in Trinidad and Tobago.

The steelpan originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1930s as an alternative instrument when colonial authorities banned Trinidadians from playing traditional drums. It is the only new instrument invented in the 20th century

. The first steelpans were fashioned from discarded biscuit tins, soap boxes and oil drums. Early instrument makers discovered that hammering different parts of the oil drum’s surface produced distinct musical notes.

Eventually, instrument maker Ellie Mannette, later known as the father of the modern steel drum, invented the version of a steelpan that used a 55-gallon oil barrel instead of biscuit tins or soap boxes. He also came up with the idea of sinking the top of the drum into its signature concave shape, which gave more space to place the notes and showed clearer distinction between pitches.

The steelpan gained national recognition during the 1940s and 1950s, particularly through its association with Trinidad Carnival.

Today, the steelpan is a cultural emblem of Trinidad and Tobago and a symbol of the country’s pride, resilience and history. The annual Panorama competition, held during Carnival, showcases the pinnacle of steelpan performance and composition, fostering a new generation of musicians and composers.

The twin-island nation will host its inaugural World Steelpan Festival in Trinidad from August 5-11, 2024.

Check out this steel band playing at the 2024 Panorama in Trinidad: