International percussionist Ananda Krishna bade farewell to Trinidad and Tobago in his unique style, with a performance on the Brian Lara Promenade, Port-of-Spain last month-end. Together with Brazilian Maraliz Fernandes, pannist Stedman "Ras Iginga" Joseph and percussionist Richard Solis, Ananda entertained members of the general public in a one-hour street concert. During his three-month stay in Trinidad and Tobago, Ananda made a name for himself collaborating with several arts practitioners and cultural organisations, including Bro Ray Assing, JauarWoman Shashamani Ra-Funk, Elspeth Duncan, Theodora Ulerie (Auntie Thea – The Mystic Storyteller), Jewels of Nature (Baba and Modupe Onilu), Michael O'Brien (guitarist), Arlene Sylvester and a host of other like-minded folk.
Some of Ananda's many performances and interactive workshops included Jammin East Meets West Ascension Fusion (Cocoyea); A Celebration of the Legacy of JaJah Oga Onilu (Little Carib Theatre); Auntie Thea's Rise 'N Shine Storytelling Workshop (Port-of-Spain Children's Library); and street concerts in Arima, San Fernando and Tobago. Ananda Krishna, who hails from Switzerland has a vast collection of instruments from his world tours including the didgeridoo (Australia); shruti box (India); and, the Hang (modified steelpan), created by PANArt in Switzerland. Fulfilling his desire to visit the home of the steelpan, Trinidad and Tobago, Ananda made his way to these shores and met the people of this wonderful land.