My name is Marvin Barbé and I am the CEO and Band Leader of Nostalgia Steelband & Carnival Club. I love steel pans and carnival and have been an active part of both since I was a young child. When I was younger, I never imagined that I would become the Band Leader of such a pretigious group. Now, I am keen to keep the culture, music and tradition alive. I realise the power of the instrument. 

Nostalgia Steelband was the first traditional ‘pan-around-neck’ band in the UK and remains so up to today. Based in London, we are an inclusive diverse band with strong links to the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and The Americas, who perform both within the UK and abroad. As well as being a traditional steelband,, we also play the conventional way with ‘pans on stands’. 

We are proud of our history within the world of steelpan and bring entertainment, smiles and dancing feet wherever we go – with a vast rendition of music, from Calypso, to popular songs of today combined with Caribbean rhythms. Every year we play steelpan on the streets at London’s Notting Hill Carnival and are the perfect option of entertainment for all types of events, including weddings, festivals, parties, school events, sporting events and exhibitions. Our musical sets and attire can be tailored to suit personal requirements. 

OUR MISSION

• To expose everyone to the carnival arts and the culture and musical traditions, in particular the steel pan, of the Caribbean

• To work with the young and disadvantaged within the community, particularly those in danger of social exclusion 

• As a not-for-profit band, our goals are to engage further with youth communities in London, Northamptonshire and Wales initially, to provide this cultural platform within schools and the community.