History of Parang

Parang is a word derived from Spanish origins from the word parranda, which means a spree or fete. Initially it meant a group of persons (men) that went about to give a parranda at an event - a wedding, birthday or other celebration. The group would sing songs with the accompaniement of musical instruments. In Trinidad, parang would mean the singing of spanish songs at mostly Christmas time.

Parang music is provided at events to entertain persons and also the parranderos go from house to house within the community. These visits involve singing and dancing as well as the sharing of food and drink.

Homer Parranderos have been performing parang for over twenty years locally and regionally. Our

band is made up of family members and the tradition has been passed on from generation and our

mission is to promote and preserve our cultural artform from diminishing by investing in various

initiatives. We have a passion and zest for parang music, so much so that persons hearing our music

for the first time quickly become avid lovers.

We want to use this medium (music) to stimulate postive culture change and create the multiplier effect in tackling issues of crime etc. Homer Parranderos belives in forging relationships to ensure that this happens. We will take music to the next level and be ambassadors of this type of genre.

Allan Homer

Father of the band. This member has over 50 years of experience playing music. He specilaises in playing the mandolin which authenticates the sound of parang music.

His fondest memory is that of carrying around a mattress in the back of his van (Comma) to accomodate all his children being with him in the event that they would want to sleep while going from venue to venue.