New CD compilation features Belizeans

Belizean musicians have been going international for some time now, but the sale of their music has yet to make much of a dent in the world market. That situation has improved of late, with the release of a new CD. Jacqueline Woods reports.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

It’s the first time that the works of several Belizean musical artists have been featured together on a major international label. Rough Guide CD’s are the musical companion to the well-known series of travel guidebooks. The company’s new CD includes music from the seven Central America countries: Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize.

Ivan Duran, Director, Stone Tree Records

“So, it’s a huge promotion not only for our music and our label but also for Belize in general. The music of Belize in general because thousands of radio programmers, DJ’s, music journalists all over the world get the CD and get to listen, maybe for the first time our music.”

The selection of local songs was chosen from those recorded by Stone Tree Records, and are featured on five tracks of the CD.

Ivan Duran

“There’s very little known outside, outside of the region about what is going here, musically. Mostly, all the attention goes to countries like Jamaica, Cuba, Brazil, which are huge musical power houses in Latin America and this region always gets overlook when it comes to music. I’m hoping a CD like this will bring a lot more attention.”

The Belizean artists on the CD are Andy Palacio, Mr. Peters and his Boom and Chime Band, Titiman Flores, Lincoln Lewis, Lugua and the Larubeya Drummers. Reporting for News 5, Jacqueline Woods.

The CDs are on sale for twenty-six dollars at music stores and gift shops.