Kareem Thompson, a seasoned steel pannist, was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, under the guidance of his Trinidadian grandparents. Introduced to the steel pan during his elementary years, Kareem's passion for the instrument was ignited by his grandfather's own legacy with the Highlanders Steel Orchestra in Trinidad during the 1960s.
After completing his education at the prestigious Brooklyn High School of the Arts, Kareem pursued higher learning at Florida Memorial University. However, driven by his musical ambitions, he later transferred to the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where he graduated in 2013.
Throughout his career, Kareem has toured extensively across the United States and the Caribbean, sharing his talent and spreading the cultural richness of the steel pan. In 2017, he released his debut album, "Pan Roots Culture," showcasing his deep connection to his Trinidadian heritage.
Currently, Kareem imparts his knowledge and expertise as a faculty member at Berklee College of Music while continuing to perform and tour globally. His remarkable journey has seen him share the stage with acclaimed artists such as 50 Cent, Ludacris, Etienne Charles, and Elan Trotman. From prestigious venues like The White House, Carnegie Hall, and Jazz at Lincoln Center to numerous stages worldwide, Kareem's music continues to inspire and captivate audiences everywhere.
