Steelpan instrument | The theme of today’s Google Doodle is steelpan music and the steelpan instrument in particular.

Despite having its roots in the 1700s, the percussion instrument was invented by Trinbagonians (people from the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago) in the 20th century. Originally, bamboo was utilized, but subsequently metal items and, starting in the late 1940s, 55-gallon oil barrels.

To commemorate it, Doodle made a little animated film featuring people playing the instrument.

What Kind of Instrument Is a Steelpan?

It is a percussion instrument that developed in Trinidad and Tobago and is also referred to as a pan or steel drum.

The acoustic instrument is supported by a stand and resembles a big silver metal drum.

It is frequently played by groups. The national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago is a steel band or steel orchestra.

According to Google, it was a mainstay during Carnival and Canboulay, Trinidad’s yearly harvest festivities, and it is still utilized in modern music.

Why is Google celebrating the steelpan in its doodle?

It is being commemorated since the instrument was introduced to the globe on July 26. The Trinidad All-Steel Pan Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) performed at the Festival of Britain on this day in 1951, bringing the steelpan and a new musical style to the globe, according to Google’s explanation.

What Is the Steelpan’s Background?

The instrument’s history predates its formal creation in 1951 because it was a mainstay during Canboulay and Carnival, two traditional Trinidadian yearly harvest festivities, in the 1700s.

Trinidadians would play their drums during Carnival festivities after slavery was abolished in 1838. However, there was a prohibition against drumming in 1877, which was upheld by authorities.

“As a substitute for their drums, musicians began to beat tuned bamboo tubes on the ground in defiance of this restriction. These groups were referred to as Tamboo Bamboo bands “says Google.

The steelpan is currently recognized as Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, and its people take tremendous pleasure in it and are incredibly resilient. Today, steelpan music may be heard in performance halls including the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and Royal Albert Hall, among others. The steelpan is a well-known instrument that serves as a reminder of its island beginnings, whether in the United Kingdom or Japan, Senegal, or the United States, it was added.

Nicholas Huggins, an illustrator from Trinidad & Tobago, created today’s Google Doodle. Etienne Charles, a musician residing in Miami, created the audio, or musical, component of it.

Huggins stated that the instrument was created out of resistance and revolt and is genuinely reflective of the people of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in a Google Q&A.