Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2017 | Page 644

We are appreciative of the fact that
Caribbean music and culture have spread
so far and doubly appreciative that you
facilitate that. How receptive will you
say the people of Stockholm are to the
Caribbean vibes during those events you
host? Do they participate or are they
spectators only?
The pics and youtube clips speak s for
themselves … Since the music has been part
of the popular culture musicmix and even now
and then even part of major media the last 30
years people tend to jump in the brew with no
hesitation . There is also a new young audience
who take Soca, Afrobeat, Tropical Bass and
Dancehall for granted when they go clubbing
or attend our events. We tend to get lots of
questions about the Caribbean , where to go ,
how to attend Carnival or Crop Over, best flight
routes from Europe etc etc .
It is also nice to see that steel band is part
of the Caribbean music scene in Stockholm
Steelband in Stockholm has its roots back in the
eighties when the connection between Trinidad
and Sweden was formed. There was once a band
called ” Hot pans ” and then ” Cool Pans ” but
now they united and call themselves Stockholms
Steelband. 30 people staring, with a female
majority and lots of gigs from weddings to local
carnivals / fetes.
Stockholm Steelband gets extra advise and
from some of the UK bands but have their own
arrangements and a brand new repertoire. They
also participated in Notting Hill Carnival One of
the members is my daughter Erica who also is
taking over the DJ part more and more with hear
new crew ” SugarCane” an all female DJ crew
taking care of business with their ” Good vibes
music ” !