Invaders host Ellie Mannette Memorial
Gone but not forgotten. Those were the sentiments expressed at the Woodbrook panyard of Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra on September 6, where a memorial to honour the life of steelpan inventor Dr Elliot “Ellie” Mannette was held.
Invaders panyard, was the birthplace of many of Mannette’s inventions.
The programme highlighted Mannette’s life journey as a young inventor to an acclaimed academic. Dr Jeannine Remy, senior lecturer in Music in the Department of Creative and Festival Arts, University of the West Indies and Co-Author of “Invaders Steel Orchestra: The History of a Legendary Trinidad Steelband” shared the academia aspects of Mannette’s accomplishments. Other speakers included: Gerard Mendez chairman of the Northern Region of Pan Trinbago, Mannette’s childhood friend, Jim Inniss and his nephew Barry Mannette.
Musical tributes were delivered by seven-time National Panorama champion Hadco Phase II Pan Groove, as well as host bands Shell Invaders and Shell Invaders Youth Steel Orchestra.
The genesis of Mannette’s ground-breaking work with the steel drum started in Invaders panyard. It was at this location that Mannette sunk the drum, placed rubbers on the sticks and created six out of the nine instruments.
Michael Dinchong, Managing Director of Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra said “Were it not for Ellie and others like himself who came before us, Invaders would not be referred to as a legendary steelband and there would not have been that pride that has pervaded throughout the many years amongst its members and supporters. We see ourselves as the bearers of the torch of their legacy. We also think of ourselves as responsible for forging a path of our own to continue the legacy of Invaders.”
Invaders Steel Orchestra will dedicate its Republic Day “Traditional J’ouvert Jump-Up” in memory of the Mannette.
Dr Elliot “Ellie” Mannette passed away at the age of 90 on August 29, 2018 in the United States.