The General Remembers the Consummate Parandero

The passing of extraordinary Parandero, Paul Nabor, earlier this week continues to resonate across the country.  His death has undoubtedly created a vacuum within the ranks of esteemed Belizean musicians.  Those who have had the fortune of collaborating with Nabi in the past, sing his praises as a larger than life character both on and off the stage.  While famed Punta Rock artist, Supa G, did not get a chance to record with Nabor; he has toured with him, performing before a capacity crowd in Los Angeles a few years ago.  This morning, he reflected on a heart-to-heart he once had with the elder statesman of Garifuna music on their return from L.A.

Supa G, Belizean Artist

“I remember one time traveling from Los Angeles back to Belize, where we went to do a show there, myself, Mr. Nabor and the late great Andy and coming back, you know, they dropped off Nabor at the airport, you know, and the man told me, “Supa, ah wahn yo tek care ah dis man fi me.  Ah wahn yo mek sure dat everything straight fi he, you know, heading back to Belize.”  I said definitely, da wah honor, you know.  And we traveled back to Belize and prior to that, ah never had wahn conversation, ah neva sit and talk to him before.  But pan dah trip dah then I saw wahn nother side ah dis man weh ah neva sih before because ah only sih ahn pan TV ahn ting and when we spoke, you know, dah wah man with wahn lotta energy, alotta life, a ve strong man.  He wahn back guitar right through eena di airport, you know ah had to tell ahn, “Nabi, noh worry, ah wahn hold yo guitar fi yo.”  You know, that was an enjoyable trip, you know, he was a great, great man and I’m sure Belize has lost not only an icon and not only a Paranda artist but a very great person.”

Isani Cayetano

Supa G

“If you were to draw any influences from Paul Nabor in terms of your music and in terms of what you have to offer as a Belizean artist, what would that be?”

Supa G

“Definitely, the reason why I did some Paranda songs and I did a Paranda album that has not been released as yet is because of the Banda, Naguya Nei, you know.  Dat da di song weh really mek I consider doing Paranda music, you know, di voice ah Mr. Nabor, you know.  Da voice weh so distinct, yo could know that da Belize, you know, dat da di face ah Paranda music.  So definitely my inspiration for Paranda music da Mr. Nabor.”