Today’s Google Doodle celebrates steelpan music, and it may just have you dancing in your chair.
The Doodle was created in order to mark the day that the steelpan was first introduced to the world.
Today video honours the instrument.
What is a steelpan?
The Google Doodle on Tuesday, July 26th celebrates a musical instrument called the steelpan.
Also known as a pan or steel drum, the acoustic instrument originated in Trinidad and Tobago and looks like a big, silver metal drum supported on a stand.
It is made out of 55-gallon industrial drums which are used to ship cargo, and was invented in the 20th century but has origins dating back to the 1700s.
Musicians play the instrument using a pair of straight sticks tipped with rubber – and some use four pan sticks, holding two in each hand.
Often, the steelpan is played in groups known as a steelband or steel orchestra and it’s the national instrument of Trinidad & Tobago.
Why is today’s Google Doodle celebrating the steelpan?
Google says that today’s Doodle “celebrates the steelpan, a percussion instrument made of metal, created and influenced by Trinbagonians.
“It’s the only acoustic instrument invented in the twentieth century, but has origins dating back to the 1700’s. It was a staple during Carnival and Canboulay, the annual harvest festivals celebrated in Trinidad, and is still used in contemporary music.
“On this day in 1951, the Trinidad All-Steel Pan Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) performed at the Festival of Britain, introducing the steelpan and a new music genre to the world.”
The history of the instrument goes way back beyond the 1700s, however.
Enslaved Africans were taken to Trinidad in the 1700s and brought their drumming traditions over with them, which quickly became a huge part of the country’s culture.
For decades, it has been a staple part of Trinidadian Carnival and Canboulay, the annual festival which is celebrated across the country.
Today’s Doodle, titled “Celebrated Steelpan,” is an incredible cartoon video produced in a sepia tint that celebrates the popular instrument.
In the clip, which also celebrates Trinidad & Tobago’s culture and history, people can be seen playing steelpans in groups.
“Today’s Doodle celebrated the steelpan, a percussion instrument made of metal, created and influenced by Trinbagonians,” Google said.
Who designed the Doodle?
Today’s Doodle was designed by Trinidad & Tobago-based illustrator Nicholas Huggins and the musical accompaniment was composed by Miami-based musician Etienne Charles.
Mr Huggins said: “The Steel Pan is the national instrument of Trinidad & Tobago and was actually invented here. It is an instrument that was born from resistance and rebellion and is truly emblematic of the people of T&T.
“At the time, African percussion was banned among other things, and the steel pan developed out of that. The fact that such a sweet tune can be extracted from industrial oil drums is something that should be cherished. The steel pan is also closely associated with our national Carnival celebrations, and therefore is a great source of national pride.”
Mr Charles added: “I’d like people to feel the magic in the steelpan. An instrument born out of Afro-descendant resistance in Trinidad.
“A symbol of community, artistic excellence, and scientific innovation. Hopefully this makes people more inclined to come hear pan in its birthplace and feel the energy that comes from it. It’s really like nothing else.”
