Trinidadian steelpan player Joshua Regrello crossed the 30-hour mark he was aiming for to establish a Guinness World Record, at about 12:35 p.m. on Saturday, December 28.
However, he would go on to play for an additional hour, becoming the longest marathon-playing steelpan player in the world. Not only did he earn a place in history but, subject to verification, he will have a title in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The amazing feat was accomplished at the studios of WACK radio in San Fernando, Trinidad and was “live” on the station’s platforms as well as Regrello’s official Facebook page.
It was a performance that started shortly after 6 a.m. on December 27, with the playing of Josh Groban’s You Raise Me Up. Regrello hit his goal with David Rudder’s High Mas, cheered on by in-studio supporters as well as over 10 000 online followers.
During the marathon performance, Regrello was allowed five-minute breaks for every hour he played. However, he used very little of that allowance and showed little fatigue during his set. At times, he used one hand to sip on some water or have a bite to eat, while continuing to play with the other hand.
Regrello has since received accolades from several entertainers, Pan Trinbago, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Randall Mitchell, and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
“On behalf of the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago, and even as we await the official confirmation, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, Joshua Regrello, on successfully completing your attempt to set the Guinness World Record for playing the steelpan for an astonishing 30 hours and surpassing your goal to reach 31 hours,” Prime Minister Rowley wrote on his official Facebook page.
“Your dedication, perseverance and passion for our national instrument have been and continue to be truly inspiring. You have created history; more so, you have been able to unite our country and the diaspora during this holiday season,” he added.
