Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music
Line-up:
Marlon Hibbert – Voice
Grifton Forbes-Amos – Trumpet
Luke Baccus – Piano
Nathan Dawkin – Bass guitar
Nate Ricketts – Drum kit
About
Marlon the Pannist is a multi-award-winning steelpan musician, arranger, and educator from South East London. A three-time UK Pan Clash Champion Soloist (2018, 2019, 2021), Marlon is recognised as one of the UK’s leading voices in contemporary steelpan performance. His work blends jazz, calypso, and modern fusion, bringing fresh expression to the instrument’s traditional
roots.
A graduate of the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Marlon has performed at top-tier events including the EFG London Jazz Festival, Guildhall Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scotts as well as other venues. His dynamic solo and ensemble work has earned him collaborations with some of the UK’s most exciting artists, including Zara McFarlane, Luke Baccus, Lox, and Lewis Daniel, among others.
In 2009, Marlon founded the Endurance Steel Orchestra, a youth-driven ensemble based in South East London. As Musical Director and bandleader, he leads on arrangements, rehearsals, and performances, with a focus on music education and community outreach. Under his leadership, the orchestra has performed both nationally and internationally, championing the steelpan as a cultural and creative force.
Beyond performance, Marlon is a dedicated educator and advocate for the steelpan in UK music education. He has worked as a junior fellow at the guildhall school of music and drama directing choirs and regularly delivers workshops across the UK, working with steel orchestras, schools, and youth groups to expand access to steelpan music. He also plays a key role in Kinetika Bloco as one of four steelpan leaders, mentoring young pannists and leading them through rehearsals, recordings, and live performances.
Looking forward, Marlon is focused on expanding the reach of steelpan in contemporary music, composing original works that fuse Caribbean traditions with jazz and global styles. With a growing profile as a performer, educator, and cultural leader, he remains committed to raising the visibility of the steelpan on stages and in classrooms across the UK and beyond. Some of Marlon’s influences include Victor Provost, Andy Narell, Jonathan Scales, Andre White & Leon Foster Thomas.