EMILE ‘Zola’ WILLIAMS Pan Player, Arranger, Pan Tuner

   Emile ‘Zola’ Williams is now seventy-four years old [1996]. He was born in St Joseph Scheme, San Fernando. ‘Zola’, as he is affectionately called by everyone, was the first captain of the Free French steelband. He was also the tuner and arranger. Because of his leadership qualities and amicable disposition, he was able to manage the band with very little difficulty.

   ‘Zola’ at age thirty played all the pans. He worked at Texaco and devoted most of his spare time to Free French steelband, which started off on the Coffee in 1943.

   ‘Zola’ talks about his experiences as a pannist with great pleasure. He recalls performances by the band in Martinique, Guadeloupe, Grenada and Barbados; when people commented on hearing "Real Pan". This soft spoken, humble, seventy-four year old gentleman feels extremely proud of his age.

   ‘Zola’ was a member of the executive of the Southern branch of the National Steelband Organisation. Other members were Oswald George, Kenneth ‘Heads’ Baptiste, Errol ‘Stork’ St Hill, Kenneth White and Steve Lalsingh.

   Among those who were close and dear to ‘Zola’, are Errol Forgenie and Theo Stephens. ‘Zola’s’ favourite piece of music is Anna; which was played by Theo Stephens when he won⁽¹⁾ the steel pan Solo competition.

   ‘Zola’ Williams is considered to be one of the best tuners in South Trinidad. One of his many students is Arthur Cord.

   ‘Zola’ now lives with his son in Cocoyea, but journeys to Marabella 'everyday' to lime with 'The Boys' in Charles Inn.

   We are proud to salute pan pioneer, Emile ‘Zola’ Williams of San Fernando.

FREE FRENCH 1943-1972

© 1997 Gideon Maxime: Pg 227; PAN THROUGH THE YEARS (1952 - 1996)

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(1) Theo Stephens did not win a solo competition at a Music Festival (or not so recorded as I can find reference to it). He placed 3rd in 1954 playing The Lord's Prayer and Anniversary Waltz; the band in which he played, Southern All Stars, came first with their presentations Dream of Olwyn and the Blue Danube.
[This reference is a matter of research for these pages]

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© 1998: tobagojo@gmail.com - 19980318 - 1m20071228 - 2m20140615 Historic Update: 04 December 1999; Last Update: 19 July 2014 05:40:00 TT Processed by: Jeremy G de Barry