Ukpöng is a steelpan performer and cultural curator based in Montreal. At the time he contacted us, he was reaching a plateau in his career and seeking to breathe new life into his personal brand.

He wanted for himself and his instrument to be recognized and seen for their full potential by reimagining and disrupting the expectations people have of “Mr. Pong” – his pseudonym at the time – and the steelpan.

The Six Cinquième team took the time to understand and define Ukpöng’s ambitions and aspirations for the future.

We learned that he wanted to destigmatize the steelpan by bringing awareness to its culture and by demonstrating its musical versatility with his contemporary approach to the instrument. At the same time, he wanted to be known as more than a steelpan player and highlight his full capabilities as a connector and experience builder.

We designed a versatile brand identity and new website that could finally match his vision and help him live up to his full potential. Taking inspiration from the unique spelling of his name, we created “Pöng”; a refreshed, up to date version of what once was “Mr. Pong”.

Our approach with the logo and icon was to represent the percussive sounds of the instrument emanating from the Ö. Focusing on the Ö was intentional. Its shape alone with the trema symbol above it is reminiscent of the steelpan and its percussive sound. We decided to expand on that by making reference to the sound in a subtle yet dynamic way. The abstract protruding shapes around the Ö’s negative space also remind us of the sounds that resonate from the instrument and draw us in.

The new brand better represents Ukpöng’s personality and can allow him to confidently live up to his full potential.