Known as the “people’s band”, Afropan is Toronto’s oldest and most successful steelband. It was originally started by a group of pannist’s from Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1970s, and was dubbed the “Harriet Tubman Survivor’s”. Their mission is to promote the appreciation of steelband music, to develop lifestyle skills amongst youth, develop programs and partnerships that promote the art and culture surrounding steelband, and they aim to encourage overall community and collaboration between generations.

The band has won countless awards under the leadership of Earl La Pierre Sr. since 1973, including the “Best Overall Band” at the Caribana parade of that year. La Pierre is an extraordinary steel pannist and acts as the groups conductor. The non-profit group began with players of Afro-Caribbean descent with their roots acting as a guiding principle, and is now a reflection of the multiculturalism in the city. One of the many services that Afropan offers is the teaching of the art of steelpan; their participation rate varies between 80-100 students per year. These practice sessions are particularly popular during the weeks leading up to Caribana and their location acts as a tourist spot during the summer.

They perform at varying events outside of Caribana, including, university activities, community sponsored activities, cultural shows, black history month celebrations and the Mississauga Santa Claus parade.

Afropan is an intergenerational family event that creates a ‘symphony of service for the people’.