SoundFest showcases Belizean talent

In recent years September has become synonymous with big name musical talent from abroad. But one group of homegrown musicians believes that while there’s a place for the foreigners, this patriotic season ought to showcase the best that Belize has to offer. The show, dubbed SoundFest, debuted last year after its organizers, the Association for Belizean Artists First, decided to do something instead of just talk.

Tony Wright, Coordinator, SoundFest

“The idea behind SoundFest is exactly what is our theme for this year “Tek bak wi September”, where the Belizean artist should be the stars to shine during the September celebrations. And that’s what we intend to do from here on dah tek back we September really.”

Jacqueline Woods

“Do you think around this time too many foreign artists were being brought into the country?”

Tony Wright

“Yes, I believe so. And they go with all the money, thirty, forty thousand dollars these guys are taking when our Belizeans artist are expected to play for a lee bit ah nothing during our celebration. And of course, some of our artist don’t even get in on the job during the September celebrations.”

Wright says he has been encouraged by the support SoundFest has received from both artists and the public.

Jacqueline Woods

“Let’s look at this year’s show, just how many artists will be performing?”

Tony Wright

“Well we have all the best of the Belizean artist, Lord Rhaburn, Fahima, we have a Belizean band called “Watson and the New Dynamics Band” from Chicago, the Messengers of course wah perform, Kenny Gladden, Leroy “Bass” Castillo. We have Sam Hamilton, Sam Carcamo, Zoila Clarke, all the top of the line Belizean artist wah deh pan SoundFest 2003 this year.”

But of course you have got to be there to be a part of the excitement. SoundFest gets underway from eight-thirty on Saturday night at the Belize City Centre. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.

Tickets for SoundFest are available at Record Shack, Tambran, Venus, or at the door. Price is ten dollars adults and three dollars for children.