Sir Clarence Oungku Edwards of Antigua and Barbuda’s soca band Burning Flames has called for official recognition as the sole composer of Magician (I Command You), a song currently being performed by the Pan Elders Steel Orchestra.
In a social media post, Sir Clarence said he was honoured that the Trinidad and Tobago-based orchestra selected the song as its piece of choice. He noted that Magician was originally composed, arranged, produced and vocally performed by him as part of Burning Flames’ musical repertoire.
He appealed for those responsible for preparing competition credits to ensure his authorship of the song is properly acknowledged, stressing that he is the sole composer.
Despite the concern over attribution, Sir Clarence praised the Pan Elders Steel Orchestra for its interpretation of the work. He commended the arranger’s approach and described the execution by the players as impressive.
Sir Clarence also expressed confidence in the band’s chances, predicting success in the finals based on the strength of the arrangement and performance.
Magician is one of Burning Flames’ best-known titles and remains widely recognised across the Eastern Caribbean, where soca music continues to influence steel orchestra repertoires.
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I am glad that Sir Clarence ‘Oungku’ Edwards have put the record straight.
Getting the history right is crucial.
Congrats Oungku.
All the best to Pan Elders Steel Orchestra. I hope they win the competition.
One of the best arrangement, love the background melody. I have Pan Elders taking the medium band, with Redhot “I Command You”, did they say Oungku had help? Ojay Richards is one of the baddest arrangers around, he already got first place in the small band category with Uptown Facinators, he will win the medium with Pan Elders, and without political involvement in the Large band category, can also rise to number one with Silver Stars.
Question, did Khan Cordice mest up in 2024 when he was given a once in a life time chance to arrange for the Arima Angels Harp? Looking back I think he did. When an Antiguan get a chance like that, to arrange for a group of players, that are all masters of their instruments, this should’ve been a easy job, so I was expecting the best of the best in arrangement, after which i believe would have solidify him as Arima Angel’s head man, and a first for a Wadadli man to have total control of a TnT steel orchestra, but by 2025 it was all over.
By the way Swallow’s “in the back seat” is also mashing up the pan arena.
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