Bio.
Mark, a multifaceted mind.
Mark's journey meandered across continents, and his role as the musical director of Perth Pandemix, Australia's premier steelband, marked a notable chapter. His impact reverberates through numerous musical ventures, from the groundbreaking Passion for Pan album (2000) to the educational contribution of the Pan In Education series.
His music and filmmaking has won awards locally and internationally, including COTT Pan Song of the Year and International Soca Awards ,and has been performed by winning bands in Pan is Beautiful 1998 (Ensemble Category), Small and Medium Band in the National Panorama, primary and secondary school Junior Panorama bands over the years.
Mark has produced/co-produced works such as Passion for Pan album (2000), and the pioneering products of Pan In Education (2004), and Pan in Education 2 (2011). Mark is also the Honourary Founding Director of the Music Literacy Trust, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2004, which has assisted several young talented pannists in education with scholarships, preserved the music of cultural steelpan icons and helped to introduce music education programmes for youth.
A constellation of iconic collaborations lights up Loquan's path. His compositions, such as Fire and Steel, Identity, Frenzy, and Colours Again resonate with Panorama aficionados worldwide. Collaborative pieces with luminaries like Amrit Samaroo, Edwin Pouchet, and Ken ‘Professor’ Philmore have graced the musical canvas, like Vibes, My Home, Celebration Time, Hooked, and Dangerous.
Loquan's legacy isn't confined to the melodies he conjures. As an honorary founding director of the Music Literacy Trust, his endeavors extend into nurturing the talents of budding pannists, fostering musical education programs, and preserving the legacies of pan luminaries. As Director and founder of PanNotations Mark is also about the science, preservation, education, and industry of Steelpan.
From his childhood in Petit Valley, a neighborhood resonating with family melodies, to his academic sojourn through St. Mary's College, University of the West Indies, and Duke University Fuqua School of Business, Mark’s path was paved with notes of learning and musical exploration.
Guided by an unwavering dedication to his craft, Loquan's musical mix is fueled by the desire to create a positive impact. His compositions echo his message: work diligently, embrace the journey, and always keep the flame of learning alive.
In the bustling life of Mark Loquan, a chemical engineer, music composer and songwriter, the harmonious echoes of steelpan notes intertwine with his daily pursuits. With25 years of composing for Panorama and Soca, Mark’s devotion to the craft remains unwavering, just as his dedication to learning when he first picked up mallets under the expert tutelage of Michael ‘Manish’ Robinson.
Diving into the symphony of his compositions, there are almost 40 so far for Steelpan alone. Thirty-four pieces have made it to the Panorama stage across all band sizes, including secondary schools’ junior Panorama. Mark’s melodies come alive in tunes like Pan Kingdom, a composition coalescing his colorful mind with the lyrical prowess of Gregory ‘GB’ Ballantyne and the vocals of Anslem Douglas, accompanied by the steelpan magic of Mia Gormandy. Rhythm Run Tings, another sonic sensation, was a collaborative masterpiece with Seion Gomez, brought to life by the voice of Kernal Roberts. These auditory gems from Loquan's creative mind were skillfully produced under the guidance of Junior Ibo Joseph.
But his composing pride and joy remain Colours Again, with lyrics by Keron Boodoosingh, Joel 'Zan' Feveck, and arranged by Junior 'Ibo' Joseph, sung by Destra Garcia. “It’s evergreen,” Mark says.
