Desperadoes Steel Orchestra and the West Indian Tobacco Company (WITCO) are celebrating a remarkable 60-year partnership—the longest between a corporate sponsor and a steelband in Trinidad and Tobago.
Both the legendary Laventille band and its long-time sponsor say the key to their enduring bond is a shared vision to preserve and enrich the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The name Desperadoes Steelband first appeared at Carnival in 1947. In the early 1960s, the band signed a sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola and became known as the Coca-Cola Gay Desperadoes. The band placed third in the first Panorama competition in 1963, second in 1964, and took their first Panorama crown in 1965 with a new sponsor, the West Indian Tobacco Company.
Executive Board Member Selby Brown shared, “In 1962, ’63, we were red and yellow pans, Coca-Cola Desperadoes, and we came second in the Panorama, we placed third in the Panorama, and then, we were blessed in ’65 to enter this partnership that is now 60 years old, and in ’65 we won our first Panorama, WITCO Desperadoes.”
Due to restrictions under Trinidad and Tobago’s Tobacco Control Regulations 2013, which prohibit forms of tobacco advertising and promotion, a mutual decision was taken and in 2016, the band went back to being known as Desperadoes. Yet the collaboration with WITCO continues and has blossomed into a remarkable journey of growth and evolution.
Mr. Brown said, “The secret has been that unbroken binding relationship between WITCO, WITCO personnel, the band members, and their desire to ensure the band moves to the higher level each time. It is the reason why Desperadoes has won a Panorama in every decade.”
WITCO Chairman Ingrid Lashley said the company is not just a distant sponsor or contributor. It remains committed to the success of Desperadoes, its incredibly talented musicians, dedicated staff, and passionate supporters.
“We’ve partnered with NEDCO to assist small entrepreneurs who are part of the band to learn about social media, to learn about funding their business and that programme is met with very positive feedback from the management of the band and the Board.”
Desperadoes has copped 12 National Panorama Titles, their last being in 2020.
The band placed 11th after their 2025 Panorama Semi-Final performance of Kes Dieffenthaller’s hit ‘Cocoa Tea.’ For both Desperadoes and WITCO, they are comforted in knowing the band did their best and vow to return to the fore in 2026.