Marlon The Pannist
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Marlon The Pannist ✿
Saturday 25th April
91 Living Room
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 Marlons influences include Victor Provost, Andy Narell, Jonathan Scales, Andre White & Leon Foster Thomas.
This year again, the Ninety One Living Room stage is curated by internationally renowned record label, artist incubator and not-for-profit organisation Jazz Re:freshed.
After celebrating its 20th anniversary last year, pioneering grassroots jazz organisation Jazz re:freshed are partnering once again with Brick Lane Jazz Festival from 25th-27th April 2025. Jazz re:freshed has been at the forefront of the UK jazz scene for the pas two decades, elevating, amplifying and spotlighting the breadth of talented young artists from across the musical spectrum to reach new audiences.
As a non-profit dedicated to creating fun, inclusive and affordable spaces for the advancement of the music, the organisation has provided crucial early career support for the likes of Shabaka Hutchings, Nubya Garcia, Ezra Collective and many more now making waves on the world stage. Built on the foundations of its weekly residency, Jazz re:freshed has grown into a multi-faceted arts organisation and cultural institution, comprising of band development programs, DJ Club nights, multiple partnerships, an award-winning record label and a paradigm shifting international showcasing initiative.
Brick Lane Jazz Festival is joining forces with Tomorrow’s Warriors as our charity partner for the 2026 edition of the festival. We have worked together to create a unique opportunity to give back to the music community, having an impactful and lasting effect on the emerging UK Jazz talent. Donate now by clicking below: