The Mozart of pan

When one talks about pan wizardry, they can be referring to none other than iconic Phase II Pan Groove Steelband arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe. The late musicologist Pat Bishop anointed him with the famous title.

The “boy from Benares Street”, St James, was born on October 28, 1953. He is gearing up to celebrate his 72nd birthday at the ensemble’s Hamilton Street, Woodbrook, home. He will be joined by the top four steelbands—Massy All Stars, Desperadoes, bpTT Renegades and Republic Bank Exodus.

“Boogsie” is also set to launch his website during the celebration so that local, regional and international fans can get a taste of his repertoire. His panoply includes “Feeling Nice”, “Dis One Is for You” and “Trini Gone Wild”. He has worked with Mt Lambert arranger extraordinaire Leston Paul, singers Ann Marie Inniss, soca artistes Olatunji, Kes and Swappi, and the late great calypsonians Denyse Plummer and Leroy Calliste (Black Stalin).

During the 2025 Panorama competition, Phase II Pan Groove placed fifth with “Pan and Soca”. Read More

The Mozart of pan. (2025, October 15). Trinidad Express Newspapers. https://trinidadexpress.com/features/local/the-mozart-of-pan/article_0b847256-68b6-477b-84b8-1ffafd1bde7b.html