UWI alumnus Akua Leith envisions steelpan ecosystem

A new steelpan manufacturing company will be operational in the fourth quarter of 2021. Musical Instruments of Trinidad and Tobago (MITTCO) is the brainchild of Akua Leith, UWI graduate and the Artistic Director and Conductor of the NationalSteel Symphony Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Musical Arts from The UWI. MITTCO will produce a full range of high-quality steelpans to supply growing demand both locally and internationally.

Akua Leith has played and conducted tours throughout Europe, Asia, North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. He is a Fulbright Fellow and graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Masters of Music in Conducting with emphasis on Steelpan Performance. He is also a teacher of the steelpan.

MITTCO is envisioned to be a full-service pan ecosystem that would provide year-round employment in the production and craftsmanship of steelpans. He approached the Hadad brothers, long-time supporters of the steelpan and together they created a team to implement Leith’s vision. The company’s Board of Directors and Shareholders combine musicians and pancrafters, and seasoned business professionals: Akua Leith, Mario Joseph, David Hackett, Robert Hadad, Joseph Hadad and John Hadad.

MITTCO’s goal is to offer the best musical instruments coupled with flawless service to music and steelpan enthusiasts in both local and export markets. They will work with a team of experienced and dedicated steelpan craftsmen, using the highest quality raw materials, and integrating tradition with innovative manufacturing practices. They will also engage the wider steelpan fraternity to create more employment within the industry. The pan facility will be based in the e-Teck Diamond Vale Industrial Park, Diego Martin and will feature a robust production process.  Trinidad and Tobago is the home of Steelpan. MITTCO envisages itself as a world-class company with international reach, but one that allows the authenticity of steelpan manufacturing to grow in its country of origin."

Edited from source: https://www.looptt.com/content/new-steelpan-manufacturing-company-open-l...