WHO IS SHE?
There’s a hillside in Trinidad where, past coconut, breadfruit, and banana trees, a winding dirt road lined with gravestones leads to one of the many local panyards—the open-air rehearsal spaces where steelbands bring rhythm to life. It is one of award-winning artist, composer, and educator Josanne Francis’ favorite places on earth. Francis beams when she talks about the late-night rehearsals that filled the air with rhythm until 3 a.m., the mango-picking breaks, and the anticipation of Carnival. The place where she fell in love with the steelpan and its bright, bell-like tone.
Born and raised in Diego Martin on Trinidad’s northwest coast, Francis has since become one of the most compelling cultural ambassadors for the steelpan. She brings a distinctive blend of technical brilliance, emotional depth, and deep cultural reverence to every performance, using her artistry to illuminate both the history and evolving future of the instrument.
Her performances have taken her to some of the world’s most renowned stages, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the MET Museum, Strathmore Music Center, Times Square, and the Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival. She has collaborated with celebrated artists across genres, including Phylicia Rashad, David Rudder, Etienne Charles, Jon Batiste, Negah Santos, Kes, Andy Narell, Liam Teague, and many others. She has appeared with ensembles such as the Michigan Philharmonic and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and recorded on notable projects for Etienne Charles, Victor Provost, Afro Bop Alliance, and The Mawasi Experience.
Francis’ contributions have been recognized widely. Honors include the Vanguard Award presented at the Caribbean American Heritage (CARAH) Gala & Awards and the Rising Leader Award from His Excellency Anthony Phillips-Spencer, Trinidad & Tobago Ambassador to the United States. She has received grants from U.S. Artists International, the Maryland State Arts Council, and the Prince George’s Arts & Humanities Council, and delivered a TEDx talk on music, identity, and cultural legacy. In 2022, she was commissioned by the San Jacinto College Central Steelband to compose a major multi-movement work for steelband.
To keep up with Josanne’s performance and teaching schedule, visit her website josannefrancis.com and follow her on social media @josannefrancis.
Photographer: Jonathan Timmes
