Music Around the World: Belize

Welcome back to our Musical World Tour! This week's stop is the Central American country of Belize. Known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture and diverse ecosystems, the country naturally has a diverse and colorful music scene. Here's our info dump to give us the scoop:

-Capital City: Belmopan

-Official Language: English (other recognized languages include Belizean Creole, Spanish, Mayan, German, Garifuna, and Chinese)

-Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy, currently under the leadership of King Charles III, Governor General Froyla Tzalam, & Prime Minister Johnny Briceño

-Belize was a part of the Mayan Empire until around AD 900; became part of the Spanish Empire around 1506; unofficially became a part of the British Empire in 1756; achieved self-governance from the UK in 1964; and declared independence from the UK in 1981

-Land Area: 8,867 square miles (147th largest nation in the world)

-Population: 397,483 estimated as of 2022

-Religion: 61.9% Christian; 31.8% no religious affiliation; 6.3% other religious affiliation

-Drive on the right side of the road

Modern Belizean music includes a mixture of reggaeton, Latin, and banda with traditional music such as punta and brukdown. The music scene is heavily influenced by other Caribbean nations as well as European music trends. The music has that distinct Caribbean sound to it that just makes you want to run to a beach and dance. Let's dive in and start exploring!

Nabi by Andy Palacio (written by P. Santino, P. Nabor)

Andy Palacio was a Belizean musician and government official. Born in Barranco in December 1960 (around 156 miles south of Belmopan), he was a prominent activist for the Garifuna people of Belize. A vocalist and guitarist, Palacio is best known for his work in punta music (a traditional Afro-indigenous style of music common throughout Central America). Palacio released 4 studio albums over his twenty-seven year career before his death in 2008 at age 47 from complications due to a stroke. Nabi was originally featured on his 1995 album Keimoun (Beat On) and is a fun one to listen to. The guitar is definitely great, and you can hear just how talented he was. I couldn't find a good translation of the lyrics, but definitely check it out.

Ketch Ah Gud Vybz by Ernestine Carballo (written by E. Carballo, T. Pook)

Ernestine Carballo is a Belizean musician. She's a widely regarded Soca artist in the country, and has written many songs for Carnival over the last 15 years. Carballo has released two studios album since 2016. Ketch Ah Gud Vybz was released as a single in 2024, and it's exactly what I expected it to be in a good way. It may not be my favorite song from the week, but it's fun, energetic, happy, and colorful. I couldn't find a good transcription of the lyrics, but throw this on your cardio playlist and you'll be all set.

Land of the Free by National Anthems Orchestra (written by S. Haynes, S. Young)

Land of the Free is the national anthem of Belize. The melody was composed by Belizean composer and musician Selwyn Walford Young, and the lyrics were written by Belizean soldier, activist, and poet Samuel Alfred Haynes. The current lyrics are based on Haynes's poem Land of the Gods, and the song was adopted as national anthem in 1981.

O, Land of the Free by the Carib Sea/Our manhood we pledge to thy liberty/No tyrants here linger, despots must flee/This tranquil haven of democracy/The blood of our sires which hallows the sod/Brought freedom from slavery, oppression's rod/By the might of truth, and the grace of God/No longer shall we be hewers of wood/Arise, ye sons of the Baymen's clan/Put on your armour, clear the land/Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee/Land of the Free by the Carib Sea

Náguya Nei by Paul Nabor (written by P. Nabor, J. Aranda)

Alfonso Palacio, known professionally as Paul Nabor, was a Belizean musician. Born in Punta Gorda in January 1928 (around 147 miles south of Belmopan), he is credited with popularizing paranda music, a subgenre of punta that focuses on guitars and rhythm. He was also a prominent figure in Garifuna music throughout his sixty-seven year career before his death in 2014 at age 86 from a stroke. Náguya Nei was originally featured on the 1999 album Paranda, and honestly this one is really cool. I love the guitar here, the rhythm is incredibly captivating, and there's some cool vocal harmonies incorporated as well. An English translation of the lyrics is below.

They say that I reign too long/Forgetting that me constitution is strong/Instead of respecting me long, long reign/They making plot to take down me name/I’ve been breaking down walls/Ever since I was small/They could stand up tall and strong/Like a wrecking ball, I go knock them down

Carolina by Supa G (written by L. Martinez)

Lensford Martinez, known professionally as Supa G, is a Belizean musician. Born in Georgetown (around 80 miles southeast of Belmopan), he typically focuses on pop and Nigerian street music. He's released four studios album since 2016. Carolina was originally featured on his 2017 album Punta Vibe, and I just loved it. There's a lot going on here, but none of it felt too busy to me, more like a cool, eclectic mix of styles. I couldn't find a good transcription of the lyrics, but trust me, this one is a great time.

Pretty Face by Tanya Carter (written by T. Carter)

Tanya Carter is a Belizean musician. Born in Belize City (around 49 miles northeast of Belmopan), she primarily focuses on reggae style music. She's released one studio album since 2011, along with multiple singles. Pretty Face was released as a single in 2015, and it's a vibe to be sure. This is absolutely a club song, and it's a lot of fun with a pretty good rhythm to it. I couldn't find a good transcription of the lyrics, but if you love to dance, you'll probably like this one a lot.

Huya Balice by The Original Turtle Shell Band ft. Pen Cayetano (written by D. Cayetano)

Delvin "Pen" Cayetano is a Belizean artist and musician. Born in Dangriga in 1954 (around 55 miles southeast of Belmopan), he and his Original Turtle Shell Band claim the title of "inventors of punta rock music." Not only is Cayetano a musician and songwriter, but he is also a self-taught painter, all of which are inspired by the Garifuna and Creole traditions of Belize. Huya Balice was originally featured on the 2001 album The Beginning and is a blast to experience. The energy is crazy, and it sounds like the whole band is just having the best time making this music that they clearly love. I couldn't find a good translation of the lyrics, but I absolutely recommend it.

Mulado by Titiman Flores (composer unknown)

Peter "Titiman" Flores is a Belizean musician. He and his band, the Puntta Rockers, are big figures in Garifuna music. Flores haas released 3 studio albums available for streaming on Apple Music since 1996. Mulado was originally featured on his 1996 album Vol. 1-Belizean Punta Rockers and has a fun, very lively rhythm. This feels a little more Latin to me than Caribbean, a little bit of a change of pace, but I like it. I couldn't find a good translation of the lyrics, but listen to it for sure.

Baranco (Oonga Techno Mix) by Umalali (composer unknown)

Umalali is a Belizean musical project put together by producer & musician Ivan Duran. Focusing primarily on female Garifuna vocalists, the project includes singers not only from Belize, but Guatemala and Hondura as well. They have one album and multiple singles streaming on Apple Music. Baranco (Oonga Techno Mix) was originally featured on the 2017 EP Garifuna Remixed, 03 and was my favorite song of the week. The mixure of traditional vocals with electronic sound worked in such a cool way, and I just had to download it. I couldn't find a good translation of the lyrics, but please don't skip over this one.

I hope you had a great time checking out the music from this beautiful country today. Happy listening, and see ya'll next week!