One of Logan City’s most versatile artists has returned home following the release of his autobiography in the Caribbean.
Jimboomba local Aldwyn Rostant, known as Alvin, is a professional musician, pannist, award winning steel pan composer and arranger.
He was born in Trinidad and Tobago before moving to Australia where he quickly planted his feet in the artistic scene.
Since then, he has won the Prime Minister’s Award for Community (2001), performed at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games (2018), and sung the West Indie’s cricket anthem at the country’s biggest stadiums – the MCG, WACA and the Gabba.
Recently, Mr Rostant has spent time in his home country releasing his new autobiographical book, Carnival is Me.
He said writing the book was, for the most part, easy.
“The process was easy as I had a lot of my past transcripts from the entrepreneur who toured the steel band I played in around the world,” Mr Rostant said.
“But it was sometimes daunting remembering small details – talking to family and friends helped.
“Reflecting on things in my childhood was hard as I haven’t been home much to talk about them, and feelings changed over time, but collaboration with my local book mentor Bek Paroz helped me sift through those moments.
“I realised my past accomplishments that I took for granted then are still important today.”
Mr Rostant only began playing the steel drum at age 14 when he was inadvertently introduced to the instrument.
“From that day forward, I have been a pan man,” he said.
Not long after that moment, Mr Rostant was touring the world and winning awards.
“My inspiration is my cultural music heritage from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean,” he said.
“I am also inspired by issues that affect our community.
“Next month I will be shooting a video for my latest song which deals with mental health, dealing with it positively.”
He now lives in Jimboomba, where he is able to rehearse late into the night and loudly.
“When not playing music, I love quietness and birdsong,” he said.
“I love the diversity of Logan – the diversity in people, landscape, and cultures brings with it food, dance and music.
“I have been lucky to be involved in the local music scene for 20 years.”
Mr Rostant was the founding president of the Mingle Markets, which he said focused on supporting local artists, “especially through COVID-19”.
