Definition & Meaning of "steelpan"

What is a "steelpan"?

A steelpan, also known as a steel drum, is a percussion instrument made from a large, shallow metal drum. The drum is carefully shaped and tuned to create different pitches on various sections of its surface. Players use mallets with rubber or plastic heads to strike the drum, producing a rich, melodic sound with bright, resonant tones. Steelpans are a central feature of Caribbean music, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago, and are used in a wide range of musical styles.