Legendary Mr. Peters has new CD release
Most people think about retiring when they reach their sixties and seventies, but for Belizean Brukdong legend, Wilfred Peters, like good whiskey, wine and cheese, he seems to only get better with time. And this year, just in time for the national festivities, Peters is tonight celebrating yet another CD release, entitled “Nobody di Care fi Mi”. News Five sat down with the Brukdong icon today who gave no indication that he intends to call its quits anytime soon.
Marion Ali, Reporting
At the age of seventy-seven, Wilfred Peters has done it again. But while his eighth release is a new product for his fans, he has had the hit song in his collection for most of his life.
Wilfred Peters, Musician
“Mi ma used to sing dis song and she died and one lady—cause I didn’t understand much—woulda sing di song again and she told me. And I just sit down and I bring back memories wid dis song. Mi older brother, just like dat; I sing di song and I remember dehn and I play dehn.”
And because he has been playing Brukdong music since childhood, Peters was one of three Belizeans recognised in September of 2007 in the video production “Three Kings” for his contribution to the musical genre. It’s a recognition he wears with pride.
Wilfred Peters
“I am di king of brukdong and I know I am di king ah brukdong because no one play di song dehn dat I play and all ah dehn is mine. Di song dat I know, di younger guys dehn don’t know dem.”
But one piece of instrument most Belizeans are no doubt familiar with is the trademark of Peters’ Boom and Chime Band, the drum after which it is named. And this veteran is also proud of that gem, which dates back more years than he possesses.
Wilfred Peters
“That dah generation to generation bout a hundred years or more, hundred years or more. I know cause ih as old as me and I noh deh far from a hundred. Dats all I could seh about it; ih old. It bruk in half and I have to get it fix back. I have to get it fix back cause every minute ih bruk. I try keep it in good condition because da noh weh yoh woulda seh wah imported drum, it’s a drum dat made out ah harder stick, other wood. Yoh have other Garifuna drum dat made outta it but dis is older than all of dem. Garifuna drums, just one side have dah skin but dis one have both sides. Ih go boom boom pan dis side and clang clang pan di other side; di boom side and ih chime pan dis side.”
But while the drum holds its own, the instrument for which Peters is most widely known is the accordion. Though we did not catch him with that piece today, it did not slow him down from sharing a bit of his latest release with us.
[Mr. Peters singing “Nobody di care fi mi…]
Reporting for News Five, Marion Ali.
“Nobody di Care fi Mi” is available at most music outlets or from Peters himself in front of Brodies for twenty-five dollars a piece. It includes eleven tracks, including a new song for Belize’s upcoming anniversary.
