UTT Pan Phoenix - Host Town Collaboration - Japan and Trinidad
by Dr. Mia Gormandy-Benjamin

Context

In 2019, the UTT Pan Phoenix Ensemble toured Japan as part of the Host Town initiative implemented as part of the 2020 Olympics. Different towns around Japan were designated as hometowns for each country represented in the 2020 Olympics. Nakatosa was designated as the host town for Trinidad and Tobago. In light of the pandemic, UTT Pan Phoenix was invited to perform virtually for the Matsuri Festival in Nakatosa, Japan in February 2021. UTT Pan Phoenix Ensemble comprised Dr. Mia Gormandy-Benjamin and four UTT students (now graduates) including Nicholas Joseph, Ariel James, Kadesh Clouden, and Lemuel Davis.

Process

UTT Pan Phoenix was asked to do a visual and audio recording to be performed at the Nakatosa festival. The ensemble performed three pieces: “Yosakoi” arranged by Yoichi Watanabe and Mia Gormandy-Benjamin, “Gurenge” arranged by Mia Gormandy-Benjamin, and “Savannah Grass” arranged by Seion Gomez. The performance of “Savannah Grass” featured the original singer Kees Dieffenthaller. Yoichi Watanabe headed the recording session for the event and collaborated with Tomoko Inoue, also known as “DJ Hemo” and Yuri Kodera in Japan. Following the 2019 tour, the town of Nakatosa started their own steelband, which was featured live at this event. UTT Pan Phoenix was also invited to be present live on zoom where they shared their excitement to be part of the event.

Response

“Cultural Exchange with a Host Town through Trinidad and Tobago’s National Instrument” published by Public Relations Office, Government of Japan (June 2021). https://www.gov-online.go.jp/eng/publicity/book/hlj/html/202106/202106_07_en.html