The newest musical instrument in the 21st century has arrived in time for the Runway Dubai Season II Show.

The steel pan is a musical instrument originating from Trinidad & Tobago.

This instrument is made from a 55 gallon drum that formerly contained oil. Since Pythagoras calculated the formula for musical cycle of fourth and fifths, steel pans are the only instrument made to follow this configuration.

They are carefully tuned using hammers to create the different domes in it that produce the beautiful sound fondly known as the sweet pan music.

Steel pan player Justin Homer will be taking guests on a musical journey with this intriguing instrument.

The RD team sat with Justin to explain why he is introducing this instrument that originated from a small island of Trinidad & Tobago, and why it is quickly gaining grounds all over the world.

You can hear the pan being played at the welcome area during the Runway Dubai Season II Show.

The 19 year old aspiring actor and businessman from the Heriot Watt university says that the things that make him happy is knowing that everyday he is making his family proud especially his late grandmother. “I always strive to do my best and show them that all the effort they put into raising me will never go to waste” Justin says.

RD: How long have you been a pannist?

JUSTIN: I’ve been a pannist since I was probably 6 years old. To put it in to perspective, I started when the stands which hold the pan up weren’t adjustable and thus I had to stand on telephone directories or boxes because at the time I was too short.

RD: Where did you learn? Who taught you?

JUSTIN: I learnt to play in my primary school back home in Trinidad, Newtown Boys R.C School. My teacher was Miss Leiba Trotman, a very stern teacher but also very patient.

RD: Why did you choose this instrument? Do you play any other instruments?

JUSTIN: I chose to play this instrument because of my longest supporter – my mom. She signed me up to learn and ever since she has been my motivation throughout the times where I was enthusiastic and even the times where I had lost the motivation. This would happen when I would not devote enough time to practicing and instead spend time with friends or procrastinating my school work and then having to catch up. Thankfully, she never gave up no matter how stressful or difficult it must have gotten for her. I still have a passion in my own way which although it is sometimes misunderstood, exists. Other instruments I can play are the drums (like djembe or drumkits), somewhat the xylophone and the triangle.

RD: What do you love about playing your instrument?

JUSTIN: I love that my instrument is one that always seems to bring a challenge. There are times where I may think ‘I can’t play this song on the pan.’ After which, I try to arrange the song in my own way and I’m usually surprised with what I can come up with. I also love that I can represent my country and proudly say ‘This is the steelpan, the national instrument of my country Trinidad and Tobago.’ The third love I have about my pan is that I can play music with my friends who sing, play guitar, drums and we cover various songs together or just have fun improvising.

RD: Have you played anywhere else in the world?

JUSTIN: The only other place I have played is back home in Trinidad. However, I don’t rule out playing in other countries such as the United States or any countries in Europe.

RD: What are you looking forward to most about playing at the Runway Dubai 2015 show?

JUSTIN: I look forward most to being able to entertain the many people who attend and to make them think ‘Wow he was really good, I wish I could hear more.’ Aside from wanting to be an actor, I truly enjoy entertaining people and this is a great opportunity for me to do so.

RD: Last year Destra, a Trini Soca legend, played at this unique event. How does that compare to you, as a fellow Trinidadian and solo steel pan performer?

JUSTIN: It sets somewhat of a target for me as I know that she would have put on a great show. To have the opportunity to play at the same event as a performer at her caliber is an honor for me and I really look forward to a least keeping her standard or even doing better, if possible.

RD: What else can we expect to see from you in the future?

JUSTIN: In the future, you can expect me to continually entertain masses of people, showing them the talent that can come from Trinidad. Wherever the music takes me, I will go.