Steel Drummer

Josiah

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About Josiah

Top steelpan player out of Montserrat with over 15 years and 100 gigs of experience! Get ready for the Caribbean EXPERIENCE with Josiah!
Josiah 's profile picture
Steel Drummer
London
Public liability insurance of £1 million

Josiah is a dynamic steel pan player whose sound carries the warmth, rhythm, and soul of the Caribbean. With deep roots stretching across Montserrat, Trinidad, and Guyana, his music reflects a rich cultural tapestry shaped by tradition, resilience, and celebration. Drawing from the birthplace of the steel pan in Trinidad, the vibrant spirit of Montserrat, and the diverse musical heritage of Guyana, Josiah brings an authentic and contemporary voice to the instrument. From an early age, Josiah was surrounded by Caribbean rhythms. Family gatherings, church services, and community events were filled with the sounds of calypso, soca, reggae, gospel, and folk music. It was within this environment that he developed not only technical skill but a deep emotional connection to the steel pan. For Josiah, the instrument is more than polished steel shaped into notes, it is a storytelling vessel, a cultural emblem, and a bridge between generations. Inspired by the legacy of Trinidadian pan pioneers and the global evolution of the instrument, Josiah has dedicated himself to mastering both traditional and modern styles. His repertoire spans classic calypso and soca standards, contemporary gospel, jazz-infused arrangements, R&B interpretations, and creative reimaginings of popular music. Whether performing a high-energy carnival anthem or a delicate, melodic ballad, Josiah approaches each piece with precision, passion, and a distinctive Caribbean flair. Josiah’s performances are marked by their warmth and versatility. He is equally at home performing on large festival stages, at cultural celebrations, in church settings, or at private events. His ability to adapt his sound to suit different audiences while maintaining the authentic voice of the steel pan has made him a sought-after musician within diverse communities. Beyond performance, Josiah is passionate about preserving and promoting Caribbean musical heritage. He understands the steel pan’s powerful history born from creativity and resistance and carries that legacy forward with pride. Through workshops, collaborations, and mentorship, he aims to inspire younger generations to embrace the instrument and the culture it represents. At the heart of Josiah’s artistry is a desire to connect. His playing radiates joy, nostalgia, and unity, inviting listeners into a shared experience of rhythm and melody. Each performance becomes more than entertainment; it becomes a celebration of identity, heritage, and community. As he continues to grow as an artist, Josiah remains committed to expanding the reach of the steel pan beyond its traditional spaces, blending Caribbean authenticity with global influence. With roots grounded firmly in Montserrat, Trinidad, and Guyana, and eyes set on the world stage, Josiah represents both the heritage and the future of Caribbean music.

Josiah
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5 out of 5
2 verified reviews

Josiah's Reviews

From customers:

MF
Mary F
8 months ago, for a Concert in London SW1H 9NH
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5 out of 5

The commemorative evening at Methodist Central Hall Westminster marking the 30th anniversary of the volcanic eruption in Montserrat was a moving and dignified tribute but without question, the emotional highlight of the night was Josiah’s breathtaking steel pan performance. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, there was a quiet anticipation in the hall. The programme had already been rich with speeches, reflections, and moments of remembrance, but when the first notes rang out from his steel pan, the atmosphere shifted completely. The bright yet tender tone of the instrument seemed to carry the spirit of Montserrat itself resilient, proud, and full of hope. Josiah’s control and musicality were exceptional. His phrasing was expressive, almost vocal in quality, allowing the steel pan to “sing” through the historic venue. Each melody felt intentional and heartfelt, whether he was performing reflective pieces that honoured the lives and homes lost, or uplifting selections that celebrated the strength and unity of the Montserratian community worldwide. What made the performance particularly powerful was the cultural authenticity he brought to the stage. His Caribbean roots were evident not only in his repertoire but in the way he played with warmth, rhythmic confidence, and a deep emotional connection to the music. The steel pan, an instrument born of resilience and creativity, felt symbolically perfect for the occasion. Audience members were visibly moved. Some closed their eyes in quiet reflection; others nodded gently to the rhythm. By the time he concluded his final piece, the applause was not merely appreciative it was heartfelt and prolonged. Many in attendance later remarked that his performance encapsulated everything the evening stood for: remembrance, pride, and enduring cultural identity. In a night filled with meaningful tributes, Josiah’s steel pan performance did more than entertain it unified the room. It was a reminder that even after hardship, beauty can still resonate, clear and strong. His contribution was not simply a musical interlude; it was the emotional centrepiece of a historic commemoration.

AM
Anne- W
9 months ago, for a Concert in Langthorne Rd
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5 out of 5

The “Get Something and Wave” gospel concert was a truly uplifting and unforgettable evening, and Josiah’s steel pan performance stood out as a divine highlight. From the moment he began, his music filled the venue with warmth, joy, and spiritual energy, perfectly complementing the heartfelt voices of the choir and the devotion of the congregation. Josiah’s mastery of the steel pan was remarkable. Each note carried precision and soul, weaving melodies that felt like prayers rising through the room. Whether accompanying traditional hymns or contemporary gospel tracks, he infused the music with emotional depth, creating moments of reflection, celebration, and pure worship. By the finale, it was clear that Josiah’s performance had touched every heart present. Attendees left inspired, uplifted, and renewed, with many agreeing that his steel pan was the true centerpiece of “Get Something and Wave.” His music didn’t just entertain it blessed the entire evening.

Josiah's Song list

Feel Good Starters
Bill Withers – “Lovely Day” / “Just The Two of Us”
Stevie Wonder – “Isn’t She Lovely” / “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”
Earth, Wind & Fire – “September”
Marvin Gaye – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
Al Green – “Let’s Stay Together”
Bobby McFerrin – “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
Kool & The Gang – “Celebration”
Classic Soca Hits
Machel Montano – “Fast Wine” / “Like Ah Boss” / “Vibes Cyah Done”
Kes the Band – “Savannah Grass” / “Hello”
Bunji Garlin – “Differentology”
Destra Garcia – “Lucy”
Voice – “Year for Love”
Farmer Nappy – “Hookin’ Meh”
Kerwin Du Bois – “Too Real”
Nailah Blackman – “Workout”
Rupee – “Tempted to Touch” (UK crowd LOVES this one)
Bob Marley – “Is This Love” / “Three Little Birds” / “Could You Be Loved”
Reggae List
UB40 – “Red Red Wine”
Sean Paul – “Temperature” / “Get Busy”
Chronixx – “Here Comes Trouble”
Koffee – “Toast”
Beres Hammond – “Rockaway”
Sanchez – “Frenzy”
Maxi Priest – “Close to You”
Afrobeat List
Burna Boy – “Ye” / “Last Last”
Wizkid – “Essence”
Davido – “Fall”
Rema – “Calm Down”
J Hus – “Did You See”
Afrobeats Medley (instrumental mashup works GREAT on pan)
Mr Eazi – “Leg Over”
Asake – “Sungba”
Crossovers
Arrow – “Hot Hot Hot”)
Kevin Lyttle – “Turn Me On”
OMI – “Cheerleader”
Gyptian – “Hold Yuh”
Patrice Roberts – “Mind My Business”
Dancehall/pop
Vybz Kartel – “Fever”
Rihanna – “Work”
Drake – “One Dance”
Ed Sheeran – “Shape of You”
Fuse ODG – “Antenna”
Craig David – “Fill Me In”

Josiah's Prices

Last updated: 2026

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
DurationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£375
Up to 1 hour£562.50
Up to 2 hours£750
Up to 3 hours£812.50
Customer questions

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

Just let us know as soon as you can and we'll try to accomodate !

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yes , depending on the type of gig!

How much time do you need to set up?

A minimum of 1 hour is needed for set up if Im Playing Solo with tracks and 2 hours if I have accompaniment !

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

Absolutely! We wencourage clients to pick their sets from the list for optimal customer satisfaction !

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes we can but it also depends on what is provided at the event as well for example if there is a sound system at the event we typically would only bring the instrument and what we need to run our backing tracks and possibly a microphone and stand

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

Absolutely! Just let us know ahead of time !
Musicianship
Genres:
World music, Afrobeat, Calypso, Caribbean music, Reggae, Ska, Contemporary Christian, Traditional church music, Contemporary classical, Classical, Classical crossover, Jazz fusion, Gospel, Pop, Funk, R&B, Soul, Hip Hop, Funk rock, Covers
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Instruments:
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Event types:
Private event, Wedding, Virtual event, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
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Other skills:
Accompanist, Instrumental teaching
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