SANDRA L BLOOD
The wider world has come to know Joshua Regrello – spirited ace professional Trinidadian pannist based in Trinidad, pride of Skiffle, grandson of Fashion Consultant/ House of Jacqui-fame Jacqui Koon How and son of loving parents, mom Kamla and dad, most-recent former Mayor of San Fernando, Trinidad, Junia Regrello.
Professionally called De Pan Man, he’s also a zealous digital creator/social media content creator that has inspired him to become a tourist/traveler capitalizing upon technology like no other. Creating content and promoting himself, his most-cherished pet, his steelpan named Poui and also the respective countries, landed him an invitation to perform in China; one he couldn’t refuse for many reasons.
For the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Trinidad and Tobago and China held in June, the Trinidad and Tobago Embassy in Beijing, China, afforded Regrello an enviable opportunity of a lifetime that apart from performing at the formal event where guests took to the floor waving miniature national flags, he showcased pan at another location in a most historic manner; another element of the celebration.
Joshua Regrello performs at Gala Reception in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Trinidad and Tobago and China, June 20, 2024, St. Regis Hotel, Beijing. CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO FOLLOW @JOSHUAREGRELLO ON INSTAGRAM
The fourth-generation Chinese streaming from his great-great-grand-dad Albart Koon How, court translator; great grand-dad Laurence Koon How, pharmacist; grandmom; and mom stated,
“My great-great-grand-dad came from China in 1916. I am a fourth-generation Chinese, so for my family, it was a very special moment; really a full-circle moment.”
A release from the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs revealed that the video was done on the Badaling Pass of the Great Wall in Beijing, where Regrello performed a medley of the Chinese classic 茉莉花 Jasmine Flower (Mo Li Hua) and the 2024 Trinidad and Tobago Road March winner "DNA" by Mical Teja.
The video entailed an inset, Koon How Family Tree, which Regrello touched on. The release from the Ministry said:
Regrello became the very first person to play pan at one of the seven greatest Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China, on June 17 as videoed, while performing in China in general was touching for his family, as it allowed him to pay homage to his Chinese ancestors.
“The special video celebrates the rich cultural exchanges between Trinidad and Tobago and China through the most iconic cultural symbols of both countries, connecting for the very first time. On 19th June, 2024, Regrello also visited the Embassy to engage with music enthusiasts in China, highlighting the history and development of the steelpan, as well as the instrument’s musicality and range.”
Her Excellency Analisa Low, Ambassador, (centre - right) and Joshua Regrello with staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Embassy in Beijing, China, June 20, 2024, St. Regis Hotel, Beijing
Regrello said he was also thrilled to teach one of his translators some Trinbagonian phrases; learn some Chinese too.
Among his experiences, he spoke a bit on his musical journey; toured Kuaishou HQ and gave their Vice President a taste of pan; enjoyed some ad hoc performances; did a bit of site-seeing. He also officially met with the Ambassador, Her Excellency Analisa Low, and other Embassy officials.
Regrello said he’s immensely grateful to the dedicated team behind it all, for their exceptional care and for providing him with a truly life-changing opportunity.
“What a moment for our countries, for the instrument, and for me. Thank you, Trinidad and Tobago Embassy in Beijing, China,” he expressed.
Joshua Regrello engages with steelpan enthusiasts at the Trinidad and Tobago Embassy, June 19, 2024, Beijing
Joshua Regrello plays the steelpan on the Badaling Pass of the Great Wall of China, June 17, 2024, Beijing
Joshua Regrello performs with Kalika De Abreau of the "Night Shift" Band at Gala Reception, June 20, 2024, St. Regis Hotel, Beijing
Joshua Regrello walks along the Badaling Pass of the Great Wall of China, June 17, 2024, Beijing, in preparation to perform on the Pass