Jahlani Roberts

Jahlani Roberts’ mission is singular: to spread the magic of steel pan. Pan is innovative. It is rebellious. And it is Trinidadian. Jahlani Roberts is all of these qualities. Following in the footsteps of his great grandfather, The Rafael “Roaring Lion” de Leon, he seeks to expand the palate of the steel pan. While well versed in the roots of pan, the National Panorama 2013 winner thrives when he branches out into various American and European traditions, such as jazz, hip-hop, soul, and classical music. The musicality he brings to any genre proves his belief (and his community’s!) that steel pan is as versatile and legitimate of an instrument as piano or guitar. In 2013, Jahlani co-founded Brooklyn Steel Orchestra, an organization that highlights and supports youth, women, and the steel pan community in Brooklyn, NY. After all, that’s what pan is about: the people. So whether you want to pick up some sticks yourself and give it a shot or just hang out in the Panyard, he invites you to join him.