Biography
The Caribbean's longest-enduring steel bands include the Amoco Renegades, known equally as the Renegades Steel Orchestra. Their high-energy blend of calypso, zouk, merengue, soca, and samba has energized audiences for more than fifty years. The National Panorama Competition saw them reach the finals for the first time in 1976, when "Statue" earned second place. Sixteen victories in that contest have followed since the mid-'80s. Further recognition came with the Port of Spain City Corporation Award in 1986, the Pan Trinibago Award for outstanding contribution to the development of the steel band, the Sunshine Award from the United States in 1990, and the National Chaconia Gold Medal in 1992. Amoco Energy Company of Trinidad and Tobago has sponsored the ensemble since 1970, supporting a core lineup of fifteen musicians that swells to 120 during Carnival performances. International touring began in 1960 and has taken the group to the United States, Japan, France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Venezuela, Bulgaria, and Romania. They opened the Nelson Mandela Welcome Rally at Yankee Stadium in 1990. Arranger Jit Samaroo, who joined in 1971, defines their sonic identity. A 1989 collaboration with Jean-Michel Jarre yielded the album While Waiting for Cousteau.
Albums
