It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Sterling Betancourt MBE, pan pioneer and the last surviving member of TASPO (Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra) – the legendary steel band that introduced the sound of steel pan to the UK at the Festival of Britain in 1951.
Sterling’s influence reached far beyond Trinidad and Tobago. TASPO inspired the name of our own band, Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra (RASPO), and in 2012 I had the privilege of meeting him for the first time.
He generously supported our RASPO Rhythms CD, contributing his self-penned calypso ‘TASPO’s Story’ and offering a heartfelt endorsement that remains one of our most treasured blessings.
His words, encouragement and lifelong dedication to steel pan helped inspire generations of players, including our RASPO family.
Thank you, Sterling, for the music, the history, the inspiration and the legacy you leave behind.
Rest in Peace.
Sterling Betancourt MBE (96) born 30 March 1930 Laventille, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago.
Mary Genis 3 June 2026
Steel Scenes at The South Bank Centre
Saturday 25 July 2026
RASPO joins in to honour Sterling Betancourt MBE and to celebrate 75 years since TASPO arrived in the UK to showcase live steel pan music for the first time for the 1951 Festival of Britain at the South Bank Centre in London.
Steel Scenes is a high-energy line-up of steel pan bands from across the UK take over the Riverside Terrace, with music from traditional calypso to modern-day arrangements. RASPO will also lead a workshop so people can have a go at playing the steel pans.
Steel Scenes
Explore what steel pan has built, as a musical form and community, over the past 75 years
Fri 24 – Sun 26 July 2026 South Bank Centre. Get tickets
12th International Conference in Carnival Arts – Steelpan, Calypso and Mas.
TASPO at 75: Reflections and Innovations in Carnival Art
Wed 22 – Thu 23 July 2026. South Bank Centre. Free. Get tickets
