Panist and performing artist Jathniel “Jackspania” Thomas passes

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New York, USA -  Jathniel Thomas (Jackspania), a multi-talented musician, was born in the island of Trinidad in the village of Arouca. He first started playing the guitar at the age of ten and eventually learned other instruments including: Bass, Keyboard, Drums, Percussions and steel pan. Thomas aka “Jato” was the leader of several bands over the years, including the Fabulous Deltones, and the Hi-Lights in Trinidad as well as several bands in the USA. He also backed many well-known artists including Mighty Sparrow, Mighty Duke and Lord Nelson.

Jathniel “Jackspania” Thomas
Jathniel “Jackspania” Thomas

He lived in Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A. for several years, where his contribution to steel pan music was greatly recognized by institutions such as The Jackie Robinson Center, Police Athletic League and Wingate High School; Thomas was very instrumental in teaching and developing steel bands and spreading the culture of Trinidad and Tobago via these organizations.

Thomas had also been the president of Moonstone productions and Japat Music School & Recording Studio, where he partnered with Cheryl Vincent, a vocalist, registered nurse, and who was also his background singer.

Himself a vocalist, composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, engineer and music teacher, the quest of Thomas (Jackspania) was to create music that was internationally appealing both in lyrical content and musicianship.

In recent years, he released several songs for the upcoming Panorama seasons. We Come Out To Play, Pan Man and Dancing To The Pan all flowed from his pen back in 2014. In 2015, Thomas had three tracks in the musical mix: Pan Is Meh High, Pan Warriors and The Pan Tones Ring. And for the 2016 Panorama season, he returned with PanDora.

Information at hand says Jathniel “Jackspania” Thomas passed away November 15, 2016.

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