Trinidadian Joshua Regrello Sets Guinness World Record for Longest Steelpan-Playing Marathon

Joshua Regrello acknowledges supporters after playing the steelpan for 31 hours.

Record-Breaking Performance

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Trinidadian Joshua Regrello, on Saturday afternoon, set the Guinness World Record for the longest steelpan-playing marathon after an entertaining 31 hours on the country’s national instrument.

The 27-year-old set the 30-hour mark around 12:30 p.m. but continued for another hour as thousands of viewers tuned in and encouraged him on YouTube and Facebook.

Recognition and Appreciation

“This is not just a victory for myself; it’s a victory for everybody who was a part of this – from planning to being here,” Regrello said in a brief comment to friends, family, ministers, and other officials gathered in the studio of WACK 90.1FM in San Fernando where he created history.

He thanked teams from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Fire Service and timekeepers from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation who witnessed the Guinness World Record verification process. The organisations sent individuals to work four-hour shifts.

Though admittedly and understandably tired, Regrello pointed out those individuals whose presence he had only requested on Christmas Eve.

“I want to pay special notice to these witnesses…. These are objective people who had to endure hours of pan,” he said. “The one thing we need to make this validated by Guinness is independent witnesses. We have to submit evidence, but we could not without their witnessing and sending evidence. So, big shout to all the witnesses and the organizations for sending you all on short notice.”

Background and Preparation

Regrello, who recently became the first person to perform steelpan on the Great Wall of China, began his Guinness World Record mission around 6:30 a.m. on Friday. He started by playing Josh Groban’s ‘You Raise Me Up’.

Throughout the 31 hours, several artists joined him, including singers and other instrumentalists.

He was allowed to take a five-minute break for every hour of continuous playing but only took a half-hour break, sometimes playing with one hand to drink or get a quick bite.

Regrello asked the studio audience to stand and play Trinidad and Tobago’s national anthem at the end of his record-breaking performance.

Conclusion

Joshua Regrello’s achievement is a testament to his dedication and passion for the steelpan, as well as the support of his community and the organizations that helped him achieve this record-breaking feat.