MUSIC AND DANCE OF BELIZE By Erika Lawrence

MUSIC AND DANCE OF BELIZE By: Erika Lawrence

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. � Garifuna folk style combining music and dance. � Similar to traditional Calypso music, Creole developed into a form called Burkdown. Now recognized for Punta and Punta Rock, its pop dance form. In general, expect to hear local reggae, hip hop, and jazz.

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=QZ 01 Kcx 8 k 6 c&list=PL 44 D 488627 DCA 70 A 2 � Watina by Andy Placio �

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=NFx 2 GRp 9 Zl. I � Wale Wine http: //www. myspace. com/music/player? song=21855223 &ac=now&url=http%3 A//matadornetwork. com/nights/the -music-of-belize/

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_embedd ed&v=5 pr. Aw. Rdji. Zc#action=share

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%3 A//matadornetwork. com/nights/the -music-of-belize/

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_embedd ed&v=R 7 F 9 qftl 1 N 8#action=share The group San Antonio � http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=s 5 n. U 8 js. Z 7 qs

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.