Trinidad and Tobago is celebrating a cultural triumph as pannist Joshua Regrello has officially secured a place in the Guinness World Records for the longest steelpan performance marathon—playing non-stop for 31 hours.
The achievement, which took place in San Fernando on December 27, 2024, was recently confirmed by Guinness, making Regrello’s name synonymous with international excellence in the art of steelpan. The feat has sparked nationwide pride and earned high praise from government officials, cultural organisations, and citizens alike.
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Minister of Culture and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, described the moment as a shared national victory, spotlighting Regrello’s determination and the cultural power of the steelpan.
“It shows what is possible when talent, hard work, and love for culture unify,” she said in an official statement. “He played his heart out for Trinidad and Tobago, and the whole world watched on with awe and excitement. The steelpan started right here, and today, thanks to Joshua’s amazing feat, it continues to make history. The ministry is proud to stand with him and all our creatives who are pushing boundaries and representing us with purpose and pride.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Pan Trinbago, the world’s leading steelpan organization, hailed the milestone as a proud moment for the entire industry. In a post shared on its official Facebook page, the organisation declared:
“Pan Trinbago congratulates Joshua Regrello on the official confirmation of his Guinness World Record. This historic milestone is a win for Joshua, a win for the steelpan, and a win for Trinidad and Tobago — the mecca of steelpan.”
The feat has also resonated politically, with various stakeholders embracing the moment as a symbol of national unity and cultural excellence. Regrello’s performance not only demonstrated artistic endurance but also brought international attention to Trinidad and Tobago’s iconic national instrument.
According to the Guinness World Records website, Regrello now officially holds the title for the “Longest Marathon Playing Steel Drums.” The performance, conducted in a public setting in the heart of San Fernando, saw him maintain rhythm, creativity, and stamina for over a day—an act requiring both physical and mental discipline.
This record comes at a time when the steelpan, invented in Trinidad and Tobago, continues to evolve and inspire new generations of musicians across the globe. Regrello’s achievement is now etched into history as a defining moment for Caribbean cultural expression.
As the nation celebrates this extraordinary milestone, it stands as a testament to what is possible when tradition meets perseverance—and when artists like Joshua Regrello carry the rhythm of a nation into the global spotlight.
