Muralist, Wayne J. ‘Rafiki’ Morris in Desperadoes Panyard
TrinbagoPan.com Reporters
November 28, 2006
It has been a year since the passing of one of the greatest pan legends in the history of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Clive ‘Maestro’ Bradley. Still, his legend and his genius has not been forgotten and the people who have been directly and indirectly affected by his magnificent work came out to show support and reminisce about him in a memorial service dedicated to him.
Mr. Bradley arranged the Desperadoes’ repertoire for over three decades and his musical accomplishments are celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago as well as in New York where he has worked with many steelbands. This service titled, ‘Remembering Clive Bradley’, took place at the Desperadoes Pan Yard, Laventille Road, East Dry River, on Monday 27th November, 2006.
People turned up at the pan yard to participate in a small sermon headed by Fr. Clyde Harvey to give thanks for the life of Clive Bradley and to celebrate in his great works over the years. The pan yard was moderately filled with supporters of the WITCO Desperadoes Steel Orchestra and Clive Bradley and the atmosphere was as melancholy as it was celebratory.
In addition to the prayer service, a few words were shared by well-wishers and members of the WITCO Desperadoes Steel Orchestra.
Candles were also lit as part of the ceremony to illuminate the memory of the musical icon during the prayer segment. Many were visibly emotional at this time and briefly experienced a tinge of sadness over Bradley’s passing. However, people were delighted that they were able to interact with the legend and to play and enjoy some of his masterpieces.
Several songs were performed by the WITCO Desperadoes Steel Orchestra including some of Bradley’s winning tunes and their 2006 winning hit, “Ordinary People”.
Around the pan yard, people could be seen conversing about the great work that Mr. Bradley and the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra have done for several years now. These self-professed diehard supporters are certainly proud of their band and promised never to forget Mr. Clive ‘Maestro’ Bradley who made a tremendous contribution in their several victories: 8 Panorama Championships as well as other unforgettable arrangements.
Clive Bradley died on November 26, 2005 in Port of Spain. Although the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra would no longer have the physical presence of Bradley to assist with their future victories, his memory would surely spur them on in the competitions ahead.
Remembering Clive Bradley in pictures:
www.trinbagopan.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=2501
Also Visit: Tribute to Clive Bradley
www.trinbagopan.com/Clive-Bradley/
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