Jamma has performed at gigs across Europe, Japan and the Caribbean as well as travelling across the UK to play at every Carnival on the calendar - Manchester, Luton, Reading, Leicester, Birmingham Bristol. Jamma dedicates his time to the local community by running a series of steel pan workshops at a school he has set up in Birmingham, ensuring the Caribbean tradition and culture passes to another generation. The Birmingham School of Pan was set up to teach people of all ages how to play steel drums, with its youngest member being just eight years old. | Jamming at Birmingham carnival |
 | | Jamma with Carnival Queen Delysia |
This year the school aims to increase its international troupe to 30 steel pan players who will entertain Carnival goers lining this year's procession route. Their float will also have dancers dressed in costume dancing to the enchanting sounds of some of Birminghams finest steel pan players. Their performance will be dedicated to "Lord Kitchener" (one of the greatest steel pan and calypso composers whose career spanned over 50 years) and Ellie Manett (one of the inventors of the steel drum). On the 10th August 2003, they will be performing at the Little Brown Jug, Unit Street, Newtown to recruit new members.
 | | Jamma |
In 1978 at the age of just 11 yrs, Jamma started playing the pans at a school in Birmingham. Through visiting Trinidad, the 'homeland' of the steel pan on several occasions his skills got better and better. Jamma feels it's important to give young people the opportunity to enjoy the rewards that can come from making music together. Jamma says: "Being in a steel band taught me discipline, punctuality and teamwork. The Birmingham School of Pan shows that people can come together to make a better environment and produce something beautiful that can be enjoyed by everyone." | Calling all steel drummers |
The Birmingham School of Pan is looking for steel pan drummers to play on their float at this years Carnival on the 3rd August 2003 starting at 12.30pm from Holyhead Road, Handsworth making its way through Perry Barr to Perry Park.
For further information concerning the Birmingham School of Pan Carnival float or other enquiries concerning the school please contact Jamma on 07799 44 22 77. For more information on Birmingham Carnival call 0121 303 1991.
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