Pan Masters End Pan Fantasy’s Championship Reign

The changing balance of power in Toronto’s steelpan community was on full display following the results of the Keepin’ Pan Alive Panorama competition, where Pan Masters delivered a decisive victory over Pan Fantasy, the twelve-time champions.

“So masters make history. Yes, we beat them by a long shot,” one Pan Masters veteran said while reflecting on the victory and the emotions surrounding the competition.

For years, Pan Masters endured long stretches without a championship, learning to recover from disappointment and return to the stage stronger each season. According to the veteran musician, that experience has created a resilience that teams accustomed to winning may now be forced to develop.

“We’re accustomed to losing, so we get knocked down and get up and fight again,” he said. “Pan Fantasy has enjoyed tremendous success over the years, but dealing with defeat after such a long period of dominance is a different challenge.”

The comments came in the context of a friendly but intense rivalry between two of Toronto’s most respected steel orchestras. Despite the fierce competition, leaders and players from both organizations have maintained close personal relationships over the years.

“I have wonderful relationships with Wendy, Bentley, Al and the others,” he said. “Usually, when the competition is over, there’s plenty of joking and friendly banter about getting even next year.”

This year, however, the mood appeared somewhat different.

“How we took our losses in the past and laughed them off, she didn’t seem as amused this time,” he said. “You could sense that the defeat really hurt.”

Pan Fantasy’s dominance over the Panorama competition made them one of the most successful steelbands in Toronto history, while Pan Masters’ victory marks a significant moment in the evolution of the city’s steelpan movement.

Despite the rivalry and the disappointment that accompanies defeat, members of both organizations agree that competition ultimately strengthens the art form, ensuring that steelpan continues to thrive for future generations.