FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2026 Edition Honours Victor “Babu” Samuel

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda — The Department of Culture, Ministry of Creative Industries, is pleased to announce the official opening of registration for the National Junior Solo Steelpan Competition 2026 (March 15th), a national initiative aimed at strengthening youth development and elevating performance standards within the steelpan artform.

The National Junior Solo Steelpan Competition provides a structured and professional platform for young pannists to showcase their technical skill, musical understanding, and artistic expression in a solo performance environment. This year’s competition is especially significant as it is proudly dedicated to the memory of Victor “Babu” Samuel, one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most respected steelpan icons, arrangers, and mentors, whose lifelong contributions continue to shape the nation’s steelpan movement.

Competition Categories

The competition will feature two adjudicated categories: Category A (Junior Melodies): Ages 5–13
Category B (Young Stars): Ages 14–21

Participants in the 5–13 category will perform pre-written, scored pieces, ensuring a standardized and age- appropriate assessment focused on execution, technique, rhythmic and pitch accuracy, and musical interpretation. Participants in the 14–21 category will present original arrangements of any song of any genre and from any era.

Competition Materials & Regulations

All essential competition documents, including:

Scored music for the 5–13 category Competition regulations Adjudication criteria
Official registration form are available online at the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Di-20JS8rOgR1WWh2jNweEl3W9zsmaGH?usp=drive_link

Registration Information
Registration forms may also be collected and delivered in person at the:

Ministry of Creative Industries Headquarters Old Parham Road, St. John’s
Monday to Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Completed forms must be submitted by the stipulated deadline to be eligible for participation. Deadline for registration is February 6th 2025.

Honouring a Legacy

The 2026 National Junior Solo Steelpan Competition is held in honour of Victor “Babu” Samuel, whose dedication to steelpan performance, education, and youth mentorship left an indelible mark on Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural heritage. By dedicating this year’s competition to his memory, the Department of Culture reaffirms its commitment to preserving legacy while investing in the future of the national instrument.

Further details regarding screening rounds and competition schedules will be announced in the coming weeks.

About the Department of Culture

The Department of Culture continues to lead national efforts in cultural preservation, artistic development, and creative empowerment. Through strategic programmes, partnerships, and youth-focused initiatives, the Department remains committed to nurturing the next generation of Antiguan and Barbudan creatives.
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Department of Culture
Ministry of Creative Industries Tel: (268) 562-9606/7/8
Email: cddanu.info@gmail.com