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Something which would have surfaced with a mephitis attached from the la basse of thoughts, is the description for the plea made by Tassa Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), to incorporate Tassa drums as the second National instrument. Information reaching the public domain indicates that the TATT have made calls to the Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar to make Tassa drums the second National instrument. Wendell Eversley, vice-president of the Association, indicated that the call for tassa to be made the second national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago came from a historical perspective.
Wendell Eversley arguments are based on false premises. Citing that the pan we use are imported, and that the drum was here from the beginning (which was cited as slavery) was nothing short of man who seemingly missed the mark. There is little doubt that Mr Eversley failed to comprehend that the 'SteelPan' is not a barrel filled with oil. Rather, it is an instrument created by the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago chromatically pitched and tuned in such a way that it provides harmonic notes on a musical scale. On the contrary, research have indicated that the tassa drum dates back to 4000 years ago, to the Persian region of Karbala which is now known as present day Iraq. Over the years the drum was associated with present day Afghanistan, Pakistan and finally India where many of the rhythms of tassa originated.
Try as I may to disassociate this from a subtle ethnic overtone, research has unearth data which supports that the Tassa Drum was brought here by indentured workers to the Caribbean in the 19th century somehow flourishing in Trinidad within the Muslim Hosay festivals. And although Pan may be viewed primarily as an 'African' instrument, the fact remains unequivocally, that steel pan is not an African instrument neither is it an East Indian instrument, it is a Trinidad and Tobago instrument, made, claimed and appreciated by all of its people.
By all means, tassa drums and its rhythms are part of our culture, it is part of our heritage and as such must be preserved. However, to ask to be placed as equal to that of an instrument invented by its people is too ask to much and a slap in the face of the people who've worked hard and tirelessly to have it recognized as it is today, and a slap in the face of the people it represents.
This idea of a second national instrument, (which was taken by Mohammed back to India after the wars with the Persians), is outright preposterous, and frivolous. It bears no National significance other than it was brought here by indentured immigrants, and quite frankly should not be esteemed higher than a grand piano. Is it an 'Indian time' request that seemingly would augur well with our Indian Prime Minister and Administration? Why wasn't this brought to the table over the ten (10) years reign of the other regime? Is it another way to glorify race pride? The answers to these questions I cannot give, as such I must leave them to the court of public opinion.
Our golden jubilee anniversary is almost here, let us suggest ways that can stem the current trends. Let us suggest intelligible ideas which can serve as a catalyst to enhance integration of all sections and ethnic groups. Let our ideas indicate to the world that our nation have matured, that our nation is ready to seen as stronger, more integrated, more united and a more cohesive unit.
And may God bless our Nation.
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