Last year, calypsonian FireTender made a splash with her woman-positive anthem, “Leave She Alone”. For Carnival 2026, she is singing the praises of the late Lord Kitchener, the iconic calypso “Grand Master”, with her new composition, “Pan Tune Father”.
FireTender, aka singer-songwriter Gillian Moore, is now in her third year in the kaiso arena. It’s also her third year as part of the cast at the Kalypso Revue, the tent founded by Kitchener himself. She is a graduate of UTT’s Master of Carnival Arts programme, where, for her Masters research, she studied the woman-themed works of Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts, 1922-2000), analysing some 175 calypsos from his decades-long career.
“Kitchener is such a source of inspiration,” says Moore. “His repertoire, over 70 years of writing calypso, is monumental. I wanted to pay tribute to the gifts he’s given us.”
Pan Tune inspiration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puRuT0kNy-E
“Pan Tune Father”, composed by Fire Tender, was created by a talented team of musicians, including initial arrangement by gifted keyboardist and composer, Philip Hill, who sadly passed away in November. Fire Tender says the song is dedicated to his memory. Producer Makesi Jawara Joseph, a talented musician in his own right, took up the reins, creating a fitting Kitchener-esque feel that captures nostalgia while also featuring Fire Tender’s performance.
“Makesi has brilliant musical instincts,” says FireTeder, “and he also has the training, knowledge and experience to back them up.” Joseph, a graduate of UTT and a multi-instrumentalist who has toured
nternationally with top local talents, performs on drums, percussion and pan, in addition to his production credit.
Harmonic heights
Bassist Joanna Hussain, member of Moore’s band Bush Tea, holds down a sweet, danceable groove. She also played on last year’s Fire Tender offering, alongside her brother, versatile guitarist John Hussain. He also returns, playing some stylish licks and driving the melody. The latter Hussain and Moore graduated in the same cohort from UTT’s Carnival Arts program.
Saxophonist par excellence Tony Paul, who teaches at UTT and collaborated deeply with both Clive Zanda and Ray Holman (Kitchener’s”Iron Man), adds a melodic flourish and some soulful harmonics to the catchy kaiso. “It’s my first time collaborating with Tony,” Moore says. “He’s such an ace, he brought the recording to a whole other level!”
Calypso fire
“Reaction has been great so far,” Fire Tender says. “People seem to be really feeling that Kitchener energy.” She feels the tune is the right step in her calypso journey: “It’s Fire Tender’s mission to keep the calypso fire alight, always emulating the very best exemplars of the art,” she says. “Who could be finer than Kitch?”
“Pan Tune Father” lyrics:
by Fire Tender (Gillian Moore)
There once was a man
A genius calypsonian
Making music for pan
Is he that perfect the plan.
From The Guitar Pan to The Iron Man
Prolific music he make for pan
Lord Kitchie,
We praise yuh pan legacy!
Chorus:
The Maestro of music for the pan – Kitchener
Beloved by millions of pan fans – Grand Master
The way how he orchestrate the beat – Calypso star
He had them vuvuneering in the street – Pan tune father
Fire one for Kitchie with veneration
Show we appreciation for he dedication
Everybody come and jump in the celebration
For Kitchie, the man with the plan for the calypso for steelband
Like Lord Relator
I must pay tribute to Kitchener
Is every Panorama
He captivate the whole Savannah.
He bring the vibe for the pan player
A sound divine to the listener
The Wrecker, Rain-o-Rama,
Pan in A Minor
He praise the panman
Pan innovation
He big up them steelband
And he sing the history of pan.
He had Miss Tourist inside the band
And the zealous lady who hit it – Pang!
He loss he mind behind
A sweet Flag Woman
I wouldn’t tell no lies
Would you believe that is 19 times
Big bands take the prize
Ramajaying with Kitchie styles.
He push the pan movement all d way
Making music to dingolay
So play – Kitchie say the pan here to stay!
