Roury Hinds – Music is the Soundtrack of my Life!
Roury's musical journey began at the age of five, when he started piano lessons. From an early age, it was clear that music was more than just a hobby—it was a lifelong passion. While his early training was rooted in classical piano, his curiosity soon led him to explore other genres. At just nine years old, he took his first jazz piano examination, passing with distinction and laying the foundation for a diverse musical career.
Roury performing with Mangrove Steel Band.
Awarded a full music scholarship to Kingsdale Foundation School, Roury immersed himself in every musical opportunity available. Alongside piano, he studied singing, guitar, percussion, trumpet and cello, developing a broad understanding of musicianship. By the age of fourteen, he had completed all five jazz piano grades before turning his attention back to classical performance, achieving Grade 8 by the age of seventeen.
Roury doing what he enjoys most, making music with the Steelpan.
After leaving school, Roury continued his studies in Music and Music Technology at college before briefly attending university to study Music Performance. Interestingly, his first study instrument was the cello (the stringed variety, not steelpan!). During this time, he continued to expand both his technical ability and musical versatility. While at college, he secured his first role in the music industry at an internet radio station, where he initially supported presenters and DJs to keep shows on air before going on to launch and host his own open mic night. Panpodium believes that Roury’s musical journey at this point epitomises that there is music in the air, music all around us, the world is full of it and he naturally absorbed as much as he could.
Roury performing with Endurance Steel Orchestra
At eighteen, Roury discovered the steelpan, an instrument that would become a defining part of his musical identity. Although he had never played pan while at school, everything changed at the 2010 Kingsdale Music Festival, where he returned to his former school and met Marlon Hibbert, founder of Endurance Steel Orchestra. A few months later, he joined Endurance.
Roury performing with Endurance Steel Orchestra at their annual winter concert.
In his early years with the orchestra, Roury performed across several instruments. Today, he proudly considers himself a four-pan player through and through, although he still enjoys the occasional "holiday" on the frontline—particularly on double tenor—when the opportunity arises.
Alongside his day job and remaining an active gigging musician, Roury has continually developed his craft through participation in the UK's National Steelband Panorama competition scene, performing with Endurance Steel Orchestra, Mangrove Steelband, Real Steel Band, Pan Nation Steel Orchestra and Croydon Steel Orchestra. These experiences have shaped him into a versatile and accomplished performer with a deep appreciation for the steelpan’s tradition and its evolving future.
Roury performing with Endurance at Pan Nation Steel Orchestra’s Blockorama 2026
Today, Roury plays an integral role both on and off the stage. As a member of the management team at Endurance Steel Orchestra, he oversees bookings, events, partnerships and collaborative creative projects while also teaching and mentoring players across the organisation. Through both his administrative and musical contributions, he continues to help drive Endurance's artistic vision while championing the growth of steelpan music culture for future generations.
Roury performing at Endurance Steel Orchestra’s Concert.
As for his vision for Endurance, he is keeping that under wraps for now—watch this space. One ambition he is happy to share, however, is his desire to see the steelpan more widely appreciated and for the instrument to continue breaking into mainstream spaces.
Panpodium salutes Roury for his dedication, commitment, effort and love for music in particular, steelpan music. Music is the Universal Language of the Universe, Share it Abundantly!
