Steel, Spirit, and the Sound of the Future: EBJ Harmonics Win Their 6th Consecutive Panorama Title
Hundreds of patrons converged on Warner Park for the 2025 staging of the Sugar Mas Panorama Finals on Sunday December 28, as four steel orchestras went head-to-head for one of Carnival’s most fiercely contested honours.
The unmistakable ring of steel filled the venue setting the stage for what would be an electrifying musical showdow; and what a showdown it was!
Sugar City Steel Orchestra opened the competition with “Iron” by Ricardo Drue, delivering a performance that was both energetic and controlled. They leaned into the song’s infectious rhythm, translating its celebratory spirit into a crisp, confident steelpan arrangement that immediately engaged the audience and set a lively tone for the night.
EBJ Harmonics Steel Orchestra, the defending champions, selected “Retro” by Voice, transforming the soca anthem into a layered and technically polished Panorama piece. Their performance balanced nostalgia with innovation, showcasing musical maturity, precise execution, and seamless transitions. The arrangement allowed each section of the orchestra to shine while maintaining a cohesive sound that ultimately earned them their sixth consecutive title.
Meanwhile, Oualie Rhythmz Steel Orchestra brought a bold, crowd-pleasing energy to the stage with “Black Man Feeling to Party” by Black Stalin. Their song choice was a definite crowd pleaser, so too was their interpretation which paid homage to the song’s cultural depth while infusing it with rhythmic drive that could only be delivered on steel.
Nevis Community Development Steel Orchestra closed the competition with “Teacher Teacher” by Ellie Matt & The G’s Brass, delivering a spirited and expressive rendition that highlighted both youthful enthusiasm and disciplined musicianship. Their arrangement emphasized groove and momentum, drawing enthusiastic responses from the crowd and underscoring the growing confidence and capability within the ensemble.
When the final scores were announced, it was EBJ Harmonics Steel Orchestra who once again rose to the top, securing their sixth consecutive Panorama title with an impressive 424 points. The victory was both commanding and historic, cementing EBJ Harmonics’ dominance in the modern Panorama era and their reputation for musical precision, discipline, and innovation.
Each competing band brought its own interpretation, texture, and energy to the stage, transforming popular selections into layered orchestral experiences. From tight harmonies to bold rhythmic runs, the night showcased the depth of musical talent within the pan fraternity in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Avoiding gimmickry, the performances leaned heavily on arrangement, timing, and execution, reminding the audience that Panorama is as much about musicianship as it is about spectacle.
What stood out just as powerfully as the winning score was the youthful makeup of the bands themselves. Across all orchestras, many of the players were young, yet performing with the confidence and competence of seasoned panists. Their presence spoke volumes about the work being done behind the scenes: in panyards, schools, and community programmes where steelpan is being taught, nurtured, and passed on with care.
That generational shift signals something important. At the risk of sounding overly sentimental, I truly believe that Panorama 2025 was a glimpse into the future of steelpan in St. Kitts and Nevis. A future where tradition is preserved through practice, innovation is embraced through youth, and excellence is sustained through mentorship.
With six titles secured and a promising wave of young panists rising through the ranks, EBJ Harmonics’ victory felt both celebratory and symbolic. The champions were crowned, but the real triumph belonged to the pan fraternity itself- alive, growing, and striking confidently into the future.
There is no doubt that the other bands are just as driven to dethrone the six-time champions as EBJ Harmonics are to defend their hard-earned crown. That healthy tension signals a rising level of competition, one that can only sharpen performance, deepen artistry, and fuel continued growth among an already stellar group of musicians. If this season is any indication, what comes next promises to be even more compelling. Watch this space for more on that.
It would be remiss of me to end this discourse without giving credit to the entities responsible (in part) for the success of Panorama 2025.
Kudos to First Federal Co-operative Credit Union and The Cable whose continued investment in Carnival and the arts underscores a shared commitment to culture, community, and youth development. Their backing helped deliver a production that was seamless from start to finish. Kudos are also due to the production team, led by Desi Brown, for a tightly run, professional show that respected both the artform and the audience. From sound to staging, the execution elevated the overall experience. The strong turnout at Warner Park was a clear reflection of the public’s enduring love for steelpan and their confidence in Panorama as a premier Sugar Mas event.
