Caymanian musician Olujimi ‘Jimmeh The Boss’ La Pierre brought his musical talents and knowledge of steel pan to the west coast of Canada for the first-ever Western Canada Steel Band Showcase in Edmonton, Alberta.
Hosted by Trincan Steel Orchestra, the summer showcase held on 13 July featured performers, steel pan soloists, DJs, photographers and videographers, and steel bands from across western Canada and the US for a day of performances, workshops, panel discussions and interviews.
La Pierre joined an international lineup of soloists including Andre White from New York, and Tracy Thornton from North Carolina.
“It was crazy to work alongside elite performers,” La Pierre told the Cayman Compass.
“It was the first time I got a chance to go that far [to] West Coast Canada. It was something out of this world, very historic …
“There were composers and producers all doing unique things with technology and the science of steel pan music. They were discussing and learning about steel pan recordings, production, entrepreneurship, things from a business and personal brand standpoint. It was a lot, and I don’t think it’s finished. They’re looking to do a part two.”
Danielle George, Trincan Steel Orchestra president, told the Compass, “Having Olujimi La Pierre be a part of the first Western Canada Steel Band Showcase was amazing. He is so open, welcoming and so full of knowledge that has helped the steel bands and soloists here. Having him was amazing and hope to have him again soon.”
La Pierre said the event received support from government and the community.
“It will definitely happen again after they’ve created this initiative to bring awareness to the culture of Caribbean music,” La Pierre said. “Being a part of this showcase was really special. It was great to be recognised. To discover that people are seeing what we do.”
La Pierre is the son of world-renowned pan pioneer Earl La Pierre and for over 20 years, made a name for himself in the steel panning world, performing locally and around the world.
La Pierre was also a part of a 14-week summer tour, travelling across Canada, Grenada, Rotterdam Carnival in the Netherlands, and the Sons of Steel showcase.
His sister, Aziza La Pierre, also took centre stage for the Sisters of Steel One Evolution steel pan showcase in Scarborough, Canada last month, featuring steel pan soloists Keisha Codrington, Suzette Vidale, Liane Charles, Leona Ramsay and La Toya Brown.
“It was beautiful to see only women a part of that cast,” La Pierre said. “It would be great to encourage and empower the women to be recognised in this kind of thing. We don’t want them to go unnoticed for their hard work. They’re creating and breaking down barriers and doing the most and it’s all about highlighting them, bringing more recognition and showcasing them to the world.”
La Pierre said he hopes to bring a similar showcase to Cayman soon.
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