Salmon Cupid, Inventor of Electronic Steelpan

Salmon Cupid, born in the Caribbean Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T also affectionately referred to as  Trinbago), fell in love with and learned to play the steelpan there. He began formally playing with St. Augustine Senior Comprehensive School where he led the band in several music festivals and competitions. Under his captaincy, St. Augustine won the Panorama competition and walked away with first place at the Steelpan Music Festival. He also made several international tours with the school to Europe. His experience on these tours confirmed that his idea of the electronic steelpan was crucial to the progress of steelpan.

In 1994, Salmon was selected by Pan Trinbago to be the Steelpan Cultural Ambassador as part of the demand by schools internationally to teach and expose the steelpan in Canada. He accepted that opportunity to expand his horizons. It led to his decision to relocate to Canada where he currently resides.

In 2000, he boldly entered a steelband in the Kiwanis Music Festival in Toronto. For the next 6 years the band consistently won the competition. Also in 2000, with the support of the students, parents, teachers, and community at large, he founded an alumni band, the Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra (TASSO).

The steelpan is an acoustic musical instrument indigenous to T&T. In honor to the pioneers who originated and developed the instrument and art form, he strived to remain mindful and respectful of the pioneers. To get a better sense of the instrument, click on this link. 

To view a video of the debut of Salmon's invention, the e-pan, in concert, click here.