Music and Dance of Belize

1. Music and Dance of Belize By: Erika Lawrence

2. Belizean Music • Features cultural blend of Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, and Mayan influences. • Each culture brings unique instruments indicative of the musical origin. • Mestizo, heard in northern and western Belize, incorporate melodies of Marimba, Tap, Drums and double Bass • Creole is found in more rural settings and makes use of drums, banjo, and donkey’s jaw bone. • Similar to traditional Calypso music, Creole developed into a form called Burkdown. • Garifuna folk style combining music and dance. • Now recognized for Punta and Punta Rock, its pop dance form. • In general, expect to hear local reggae, hip hop, and jazz.

3. Punta • Drums and African chants and is danced as a group • Dancing keeping arms and elbows close to upper body flexed while shaking and turning around. • Normally performed at major festivals or special occasions. • Junkaboo is a satire dance where the dancers dress like slave masters. • Developed during slavery. • Andy Placio is one of Belize’s most popular musicians, cultural hero, an activist for Garifuna culture and music. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ01Kcx8k6c&list=PL44D488627DCA70A2 • Watina by Andy Placio

4. Punta Rock • More modern version of Punta • Most popular of all music genres in Belize • Moves are more provocative; hip gyrations more pronounced • Done with a partner • Super G is one of the most well known artists of this genre • Super G-Muevelo • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFx2GRp9ZlI • Wale Wine http://www.myspace.com/music/player?song=21855223&ac=now&url=http%3A//matadornetwork.com/nights/the-music-of-belize/

5. Burkdown • Belize Creole type of music • Originated in the days of enslaved African loggers • Done at night as a way to relax and enjoy themselves • Done in Creole languages and is considered rural music at its finest • Calypso rhythm consists of African chants • Drums, accordion, banjo, and guitar • Well known artists are Wilfred Peters, Leeva Vernon, and Gerald Rhaburn • Wilfred Peters http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5prAwRdjiZc#action=share

6. Paranda • Soulful sound backed by guitars and drums. • Storytelling type of music. • Paul Nabor is considered the world’s greatest and oldest Garifuna musician and Belize’s greatest Paranda artist. • Responsible for Paranda being spread around the world. • http://www.myspace.com/music/player?song=21855223&ac=now&url=http%3A//matadornetwork.com/nights/the-music-of-belize/

7. Mayan Marimba and Harp Music • Played with a marimba or harp. • Marimba played by a group of men for ceremonies and special occasions. • Wooded xylophone originating from West Africa. • Many make their own instruments from hardwood. • The well known artist of this genre is Mayan Florence Mes. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=R7F9qftl1N8#action=share • The group San Antonio • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5nU8jsZ7qs

8. Dance Videos • If time permits, I can look up the dance videos. • Because they are kind of provocative, I didn’t know if they would be appropriate for the classroom setting.