In a monumental moment for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean cultural community, Joshua “De Pan Man” Regrello has officially earned a Guinness World Record for the longest steelpan-playing marathon, clocking an extraordinary 31 hours of nonstop music.
The record, now formally listed on the Guinness World Records website, shines an international spotlight on Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument and the enduring spirit of Caribbean creativity.
The marathon performance took place from December 27 to 28, 2024, at the WACK 90.1 FM studio in San Fernando, where Regrello began the challenge at 6:00 a.m. on Friday and played continuously through to just after noon on Saturday.
“This extraordinary accomplishment sets a new global benchmark for musical endurance and shines a spotlight on Trinidad and Tobago’s national musical instrument on the world stage,” said the Ministry of Culture and Community Development in a public statement.
Regrello’s feat was not a solo mission. It was powered by a groundswell of support from family, friends, fellow musicians, and fans, both in-person and online. Local entertainers such as Rome, violinist Mr. Strings, Soca artist Voice, and DJ Ultra Simmo lent their presence and energy to the effort, transforming the performance into a carnival of cultural pride.
With only a brief, Guinness-mandated 30-minute break, Regrello powered through fatigue and hunger, sometimes seen playing one-handed while hydrating or grabbing a quick bite. His dedication captured the imagination of thousands, proving not only his personal endurance but also the unwavering spirit of pan culture.
To ensure compliance with Guinness’s stringent rules, Trinidad’s Ministry of Culture assigned four Cultural Officers to serve as official timekeepers and witnesses, reinforcing the legitimacy of the record-setting event.
Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin described Regrello’s success as “a win for all of us.”
For Regrello, this isn’t just about hours logged, it’s about legacy. The steelpan, invented in the mid-20th century in Trinidad and Tobago, has always been a symbol of innovation, resilience, and cultural brilliance. Now, thanks to this Guinness World Record, it holds a new place in global music history.
He shared via his official Instagram page, “ I am now a Guinness World Record title Holder for the longest marathon playing steelpan/ steel drums. Months ago, we came together with one mission: to make history through the power of steelpan and unity. Today, that dream is a global record.”
He continued, “To everyone who believed, supported near and far, from the early planning to the final note, thank you. We have done it. This is more than a personal milestone, this is a win for steelpan, our culture and our people. This is by all of us, for all of us”.
With this historic achievement, Joshua Regrello has added another milestone to the story of Caribbean excellence. His record is a tribute to tradition, endurance, and the unbreakable beat of the islands.
