In 1987, the Los Angeles based Belizean organization BREDAA, (Belize Rural Economic Development of Agriculture through Alliance) presented an exclusive day of solidarity with other organizations in the Belizean community. The event which was a fundraiser for BREDAA, and also to inform the L.A. Belizean community about progress made throughout the years on socio-political, and cultural activities to advance Belizean community efforts-- had noteworthy Belizean representatives and speakers like the Honorary Consulate in L.A. at that time, the late Paul Warren, Consortium for Belizean Development, Ernesto Castillo, African-American activist and KPFK radio personality, Ron Wilkins, the President of the organization Caribbean Connection, the late Dennis Brooks, and BREDAA's Chairman Nuri Akbar Estrada. The program was hosted by BREDAA's Secretary and Guyanese, Dr. Orland Bishop, and had many invited guests and attendees.     It was a beautiful evening of solidarity and friendship.

An Historical Evening of Solidarity In The Belizean Diaspora!

Roots is the 1994 hit single by the Belizean Garifuna Punta Rock artist Andy Palacio. It was released in November of 1994. It was produced by Andy Palacio and Micheal Hyde under the Belizean music label Kalifa Records owned by the Belizean Executive Producer Bilal Morris. Roots is a hit from the the 1994 Andy Palacio album that became the artist's first full CD album called Andy Palacio. It includes other hits like Albert Street, Jammin', Se Busca, Time for Peace and Samina Humein. For more information on Roots and the complete album, Andy Palacio, contact Kalifa Productions at: 323-326-9077 or write us at: belam.kalifa@yahoo.com.     

Roots: Andy Palacio

Albert Street is the 1994 hit single by the late Andy Palacio released on September 5, 1994 under the Kalifa Records label. It depicts the famous Belize City street named Albert Street where all the parades and festivals would pass on during the country of Belize September festivities called the 10th. of September or the Battle of St. Georges's Caye. It was written and produced by Andy Palacio and produced by Andy Palacio and Michael Hyde. The Executive Producer was Bilal Morris for Kalifa Productions. For information of Albert Street call: 323-326-9077 or write Kalifa Productions at: belam.kalifa@yahoo.com.

Albert Street: Andy Palacio

The hit single Jammin' by the undisputed King of Punta, Andy Palacio. Written by Andy Palacio. Produced by Andy Palacio and Michael Hyde for Kalifa Records 1994.

Jammin': Andy Palacio

The Andy Palacio hit single Se Busca that was released in 1994 by  the Belizean music label Kalifa Records. It was written by Andy Palacio and produced by Andy Palacio and Michael Hyde. 

Se Busca: Andy Palacio

Belizean legendary singer, musician and artist Percival 'Prof' Drummond was one of those Belizean musical artist from the 1950's and 60's in Belize who sang covers with the Lord Rhaburn Combo and went on to make a name for himself in the Belizean music scene from the time the country was called British Honduras. He was also known for his extravagant and flashy stage performances that he introduced to the Belizean musical live stage performances that he had developed from the influences of African-American musical artists like James Brown, Percy Sledge and Otis Redding. Prof as he was called, sang mostly tunes from these legendary American artists and copied their styles in all forms possible. He also sang many other ballads from other noteworthy American artists, and is known to have been the Belizean artist that injected the American ballad into Belizean music. Drummond later migrated to the United States in the late 1960's after performing as the lead singer and drummer of Belize's popular band, The Lord Rhaburn Combo for many years in which he had travelled to New York and Guatemalan with the band to record the classic and vintage music of which you are hearing on this expose. He played at some of the most classy music venues in Los Angeles, California, continuing his musical career and paved the way for many other Belizean bands and artists to come to the Los Angeles and perform. He is known in the Belizean music circles as Mr. Showtime because of his flamboyant stage presence and soulful ballads. In later years, he became a music promoter and assisted many Belizean artists in music production and shows.        

Percival Prof Drummond: Belizean Soul Music from Mr. Showtime!

Belizean Garifuna artist Andy Palacio musical single, Time For Peace, was produced by Kalifa Productions in 1994 in Los Angeles, California in the Belizean diaspora community, and was compiled as part of his first CD album called Andy Palacio. The legendary Belizean artist and musical icon was also declared the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)Artist for Peace in 2007 while he served as Belize Cultural Ambassador and Deputy Administrator of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH)in Belize. He passed away on January 19, 2008. 

Andy Palacio: Time for Peace!

Belize Music Hour was the first Belizean radio of show of its kind in the Belizean Diaspora in the United States, and the first ever in the Los Angeles Belizean Community. It was produced by the Belizean grassroots organization BREDAA (Belize Rural Economic Development of Agriculture through Alliance) in 1986, and ran for ten years as a Caribbean issues Magazine called Belize Caribbean Pulse later in 1987. The legendary Belizean Broadcaster, David Buddan, became the first host of the popular radio show. This dynamic episode of the show is a farewell show for Buddan who passed away on December 27, 2014 in Torrance, California.  

BELIZE MUSIC HOUR: FAREWELL SHOW TO DAVID BUDDAN!

The legendary Belizean broadcaster and comic, the late Eddie 'Seferino' Coleman stands out today as Belize's most entertaining broadcaster and comedian of all times. Seferino, as he is known among Belizeans of the 1960's, 70's and 80's, rose to become one of Belize's most articulate broadcasters during the days of the defunked Belize broadcasting institution, Radio Belize. Not only could Coleman matched some of the best in Caribbean broadcasting being that he was a natural at it, but he could have stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the best Caribbean comedians of his time. Terribly funny, Coleman had the ability to move from serious journalistic presentations to an incredibly entertaining wrap-around that made him Belize's most entertaining broadcaster. He stole the hearts of many Belizeans who grew up under his voice on Radio Belize when radio became the sole medium of communication in Belize in the 1960's and 70's. Belizean Legends presents this most revealing audio expose on the legendary Belizean entertainer captured in Los Angeles in 1987 at the Westmore Ballroom during one of his frequent visits to the Los Angeles Belizean Community.    



Eddie Seferino Coleman: Classical Belizean Comic & Broadcaster!

It was the Mass In Blues musical project that the Belizean musician and trumpeter, Glenn Bood, received his notoriety in Belize's music scene. The most original Belizean musical project yet to date, that was composed and written by the Belizean musical phenom and classical concert pianist, Francis Reneau, in the 1960's, featured Bood's melodic trumpet solo on the instrumental track, Laura. Mass In Blues, a classic and Belizean musical masterpiece that is still hard to find up to today, could not had sounded better without the smooth jazzy touch of Bood's serenading horn. The legendary Belizean musician who passed away in 2004, stole the hearts of many Belizean music lovers in the 1970's In Belize with his funky band, Glenn Bood & The Telegrams. The band stood out among all its contemporaries, winning Belize's Battle of The Band once, and became one of the popular bands circuiting the Belize dance halls, and music venues. After his migration to the United States, Glenn Bood continued to play his music in Belizean style, and played with other Belizean artists and bands that frequented the music scene in the Los Angeles Belizean community.     

Glenn Bood, Belizean Musical Artist & The Mass In Blues Project!

The classic Belizean vocalist, Elihue Flowers, has become a household name in the Belizean musical spectrum. His stylistic voice on the track, Under The Tree We Flourish, reminds many of Belizean heritage how soulful Belizean music was in the 1980's. The patriotic song that depicts the multicultural heritage of the Belizean people, is still a big hit in commemorating Belize's festivals and independence day celebrations. Elihue, as he is known by many, lives in Los Angeles, and became one of the Caye Records recording artists, a Belizean music label that became popular in the 1980's recording many other Belizean artists like the legendary Andy Palacio, Anthony Richards, Pupa Curley, Brother David, and many more. The Belizean musical artists has  since retired, and is remembered for contributing his talents to the realm of Belizean music.    

Elihue Flowers: Classic Belizean Vocalist!

The 1990's Belizean musical artists, Daddy Tracey, came on the Belize and Caribbean music scene in Los Angeles, California, and blew away everything that was Soca, Punta Rock, and Dancehall. His pulsating Punta Rock / Soca style captivated many of the young generation of Caribbean music lovers, and made him a big Belizean music superstar equal to none. The featured song, Gumption, that was one of the first tracks to be released off a four song album that was written by the brilliant  Belizean songwriter, Eugene Thompson in collaboration with Daddy Tracey himself, was also produced by Belizean music legend, Clinton 'Junie' Crawford in 1992. Gumption and other hit releases on the Daddy Tracey album also became big hits in Belize, as well as taking the whole country by storm where all four songs became instant hits on the Belize music charts. With such accolades under his belt, the southern Born Belizean artist and performer jammed clubs and music venues in Belize, and developed a huge fan base of which still plays and talks about his music today.         

Daddy Tracey: Gumption

The 1990's Belizean musical artist, Daddy Tracey, came on the Belize and Caribbean music scene in Los Angeles, California, and blew away everything that was Soca, Punta Rock, and Dancehall. His pulsating Punta Rock / Soca style captivated many of the young generation of Caribbean music lovers, and made him a big Belizean music superstar equal to none. The featured song, Jungle, that was one of the first tracks to be released off a four song album that was written by the brilliant Belizean songwriter, Eugene Thompson in collaboration with Daddy Tracey himself, was also produced by Belizean music legend, Clinton 'Junie' Crawford in 1992. Jungle and other hit releases on the Daddy Tracey album also became big hits in Belize, as well as taking the whole country by storm where all four songs became instant hits on the Belize music charts. With such accolades under his belt, the southern Born Belizean artist and performer jammed clubs and music venues in Belize, and developed a huge fan base of which still plays and talks about his music today.

Daddy Tracey: Jungle

The 1990's Belizean musical artist, Daddy Tracey, came on the Belize and Caribbean music scene in Los Angeles, California, and blew away everything that was Soca, Punta Rock, and Dancehall. His pulsating Punta Rock / Soca style captivated many of the young generation of Caribbean music lovers, and made him a big Belizean music superstar equal to none. The featured song, Dugu De, that was one of the first tracks to be released off a four song album that was written by the brilliant Belizean songwriter, Eugene Thompson in collaboration with Daddy Tracey himself, was also produced by Belizean music legend, Clinton 'Junie' Crawford in 1992. Dugu De and other hit releases on the Daddy Tracey album also became big hits in Belize, as well as taking the whole country by storm where all four songs became instant hits on the Belize music charts. With such accolades under his belt, the southern born Belizean artist and performer jammed clubs and music venues in Belize, and developed a huge fan base of which still plays and talks about his music today.

Daddy Tracey: Dugu De

The 1990's Belizean musical artists, Daddy Tracey, came on the Belize and Caribbean music scene in Los Angeles, California, and blew away everything that was Soca, Punta Rock, and Dancehall. His pulsating Punta Rock / Soca style captivated many of the young generation of Caribbean music lovers, and made him a big Belizean music superstar equal to none. The featured song, Dunki Whip, that was one of the first tracks to be released off a four song album that was written by the brilliant Belizean songwriter, Eugene Thompson in collaboration with Daddy Tracey himself, was also produced by Belizean music legend, Clinton 'Junie' Crawford in 1992. Dunki Whip and other hit releases on the Daddy Tracey album also became big hits in Belize, as well as taking the whole country by storm where all four songs became instant hits on the Belize music charts. With such accolades under his belt, the southern Born Belizean artist and performer jammed clubs and music venues in Belize, and developed a huge fan base of which still plays and talks about his music today.

Daddy Tracey: Danki Whip

When the Hollywood film, Dogs of War, staged its epic filming in the former British colony of British Honduras now independent Belize in 1979, Belize most celebrated Calypsonian, the legendary Lord Rhaburn, dropped a classic Belizean calypso tune on the Belize music scene called, Dogs of War, named after the epic film itself. Rhaburn's Dogs of War, though not a part of the soundtrack for the film, became an instant hit across the country of Belize. The popular hit single became a track off the Lord Rhaburn Combo's eight song album release that same year.   

Lord Rhaburn: Dogs of War

The legendary Belizean musical artist, bredda David, has rose to become one of Belize's most consistent national artist that has represented the country of Belize worldwide as a cultural ambassador for Belize. He is the innovator of the popular Belizean musical art form called Cungo Music, which is a combination of Belizean Creole Brukdong, and Garifuna Paranda rhythm. The legendary artist once made his home in Los Angeles after his migration from Belize in the 1960's, and later returned home to Belize in the 1980's becoming an intricate part of Belize's musical and cultural forums that aim to promote and develop Belize's musical and cultural institutions. Also a passionate activist for the promotion of the African Belizean culture called Creole, bredda David has worked for the advancement of the recognition of Belizean national heroes like Isiah Morter, Cleopatra White, and the former British slave enclave in Belize City, called Ibo Town. The featured track, Planation, is one of bredda David's biggest hits in the country of Belize, among many others that he has written and produced throughout is long career as a Belizean musical artist with a worldwide recognition.    

bredda David & Belizean Cungo Music!

The 1990's Belizean musical artists, Daddy Tracey, came on the Belize and Caribbean music scene in Los Angeles, California, and blew away everything that was Soca, Punta Rock, and Dancehall. His pulsating Punta Rock / Soca style captivated many of the young generation of Caribbean music lovers, and made him a big Belizean music superstar equal to none. The featured song, Le Go, that was one of the first tracks to be released off a four song album that was written by the brilliant Belizean songwriter, Eugene Thompson in collaboration with Daddy Tracey himself. Le Go and other hit releases on the Daddy Tracey album also became big hits in Belize, as well as taking the whole country by storm where all four songs became instant hits on the Belize music charts. With such accolades under his belt, the southern born Belizean artist and performer, jammed clubs and music venues in Belize and Los Angeles, and developed a huge fan base of which still plays and talks about his music today.

Daddy Tracey: Le Go!

The 1990's Belizean musical artists, Daddy Tracey, came on the Belize and Caribbean music scene in Los Angeles, California, and blew away everything that was Soca, Punta Rock, and Dancehall. His pulsating Punta Rock / Soca style captivated many of the young generation of Caribbean music lovers, and made him a big Belizean music superstar equal to none. The featured song, No Money No Deh, that was one of the first tracks to be released off a four song album that was written by the brilliant Belizean songwriter, Eugene Thompson in collaboration with Daddy Tracey himself. No Money No Deh and other hit releases on the Daddy Tracey album also became big hits in Belize, as well as taking the whole country by storm where all four songs became instant hits on the Belize music charts. With such accolades under his belt, the southern born Belizean artist and performer, jammed clubs and music venues in Belize and Los Angeles, and developed a huge fan base of which still plays and talks about his music today.

Daddy Tracey: No Money No Deh!

The internationally acclaimed Belizean band, Babylon Warriors's track, Two Foot Cow, became an instant hit in 1997 in the Los Angeles Belizean Community, and went on to top the charts in Belize within the Punta Rock music scene. Babylon Warriors being a reggae band of the 1980's, began experimenting with the Punta Rock genre when they added the legendary Garinagu artists, Jesse Flores, the late Dana Martinez, Sapps Sanchez, and Georgette Lambey to their repertoire. It became the first fusion of Belizean Creole and Garifuna artists that would be playing a wide variety of different Caribbean rhythms in the 1990's.    

Babylon Warriors: Two Foot Cow

The legendary Belizean musical artist, Harrington Trapp's 2010 hit single, Birthday Song, became an instant hit both in Los Angeles, California, and Belize almost at once when the former Babylon Warriors lead singer released the song on the Los Angeles Belizean music scene. The hit single from Trapp's full album called Harrington Trapp, Bithday Song celebrates Belizean culture with its delicious Central American and Caribbean cuisines, and unique lifestyle.    

Harrington Trapp: Birthday Song

bredda David: The Real Story (Part 1)!

by Bilal Morris

No other Belizean artist in the entire scope of Belizean music history has done what the legendary Belizean musical icon, bredda David has done for music in Belize. bredda David has become the quintessential Belizean artist whose migration out of Belize in the 1960's to the United States to established a credible musical accomplishment, and later returned to Belize after many years to developed a pulsating Afro-Belizean style of music called Cungo.

In this Belizean Legend expose, the talented Belizean artist explores the realms of Cungo music with Belizean Legends host, Bilal Morris, and takes his viewers through memory lane of the Afro-Belizean struggle to survive slavery and colonialism into the British Mahogany Camps in the former British Honduras where the music of Sambai created by runaway slaves were established in a village called Gales Point Manatee. bredda David makes a striking distinction between the music of Belize's other Afro-Belizean people, the Garinagu, and that of the Afro-Belizean people the Creoles whom have become the originators of the Sambai that later merged into the Brukdong. He credits the renowned Belizean Brukdong artist, Mr. Peters, whom he worked with on his repatriation back to Belize, for assisting him in the development of the Cungo sound, and being the Father of Afro-Belizean (Creoles) music.

A prolific guitar player that developed a unique style through studying the work of the legendary African-American guitarist, Jimmy Hendrix, and the lyrical composition of Jamaican artists, Peter Tosh and Bob Marley, bredda David became an outstanding musician in the Los Angeles Belizean Community in the 1970's playing Rock & Roll, but later switched to his Caribbean roots of playing reggae, forming the band Unity with his son, Ricky on drums, Raymond Barrow on bass, and Lesmond Sosa on guitar. Throughout his musical sojourn in the U.S., performing at many popular venues and reggae clubs in Southern California, bredda David & Unity recorded the epic Belizean reggae album called No Fear, that included classic tracks like Experience, Dancing, and Land of The Free Belize, along the with its hit single, Cungo Music, that became the musical style of bredda David.

The acclaimed Belizean artist has performed around the world, gracing many world beat venues, and becoming an ambassador for Belize through his music and activism for the Afro-Belizean people, The Creoles. He has received many outstanding awards in Belize for his work, and is recognized in Belizean society as truly an advocate for the rights of the Afro-Belizean people both Creoles and Garinagu. He helped established the foundation of the renowned Belizean Garveyite, Isiah Morter Harmbee Monument, which can be seen in Belize City in what was historically known as Ibo Town, a place in the vicinity of the Yarborough area that was historically the settlement of the Afro-Belizean people (Creoles). His work in establishing the significance of the Afro-Belizean people and their contribution to Belizean society today has been well documented and visibly accredited by Belize's establishment.

bredda David's work, both musical, cultural and social, speaks volumes for any student of Belizean history as it marks the contribution of the Belizean Diaspora in the development of Belize that is unquestionable today. His was the epitome of a Belizean who lived in the diaspora, but who repatriated to contribute significantly to the musical, cultural, and social life of Belize and Belizeans.

We here at Belizean Legends honor the work of this outstanding Belizean citizen, statesman, and musical legend bredda David. As we would say in the Afro-Belizean 

Belize's Legendary bredda David: The Real Story!

BPP'S PATRICK ROGERS DISCUSSES THE ICJ, COMPROMIS & GUATEMALA'S CLAIM TO BELIZE

by Bilal Morris

The featured interview here on Belizean Legends highlights the work of the Belize Progressive Party's (BPP) political leader, Patrick Rogers, who has emerged today as a progressive voice on the Belize political scene after many years as an activist for many Belizean causes on the ground in Belize. Rogers, who is also an astute Belizean historian with credible historical facts to drive home his political views on the Belize / Guatemalan Dispute, spoke with Belizean Legends producer and host, Bilall Morris, about the insidious and treacherous Compromis signed by the Belize and Guatemalan governments in December of 2008, without the consent of the Belizean people, to take the aged old Anglo Guatemalan Dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In this very detailed and historical discussion, Rogers underscored the tensions that have built up recently between Belize and Guatemala on the question of Belize's southern most border on the Sarstoon Island and River that has been occupied by the Guatemalan military since August 14, 2015, and the Belize's government lack of response to Guatemalan aggression to force the present Belizean government under Prime Minister Dean Barrow to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Citing its reason for the occupation of Belize's Sarstoon Island, the Guatemalan military oligarchy has stated that it will not relinquish control of the Sarstoon until it and Belize go to the ICJ to settle the bordering dispute.

The infamous Compromis signed by Belize's unpopular Foreign Minister, Wilfred 'Sedi' Elrignton in 2008, has brought a series of attacks on the three time elected lawyer / politician who continues to defend his government's position that Belize will have to go to the ICJ by all means necessary. Rogers presented his party's position that the Belize Guatemalan Dispute that was once the Anglo Guatemalan Dispute has turned into an issue that should have been settled a long time ago if Belize's colonial master, the British, would have paid Guatemala compensation for British settlers occupation of land down South of Belize believed to be Guatemalan territory inherited from its colonial master, Spain. Like the United States Louisiana purchase from the French, Rogers explains that once the British had paid Guatemala for what it had demanded for the territory it took, the issue would have been settled years ago and Belize and Belizeans would not have inherited this so-called Guatemalan Claim.

PATRICK ROGERS ON  RESISTANCE FOR BELIZE ON KPFK L.A. AGAINST THE ANGLO GUATEMALAN CLAIM!

The widely acclaimed Black Mexico Photo Exhibit will make its debut at the opening of the Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival on Friday May 25th, 2018 at the Electric Lodge Theatre in Venice, California.

The exhibit, officially titled “The African Presence in Mexico – A Photographic Discourse”, feature’s the work of photographer/professor Ron Wilkins, highlights Mexico’s African presence and serves as a backdrop for a broader discussion focusing on Black-Brown unity!

Professor Wilkins, a historiographic specialist, will introduce film festival patrons to both the exhibit content and deliver a timely and information-packed talk titled “Black & Mexican Solidarity – A Rich & Hidden History”, on Friday, May 25th at 7PM.

The exhibit’s vibrant and very colorful images will be available for viewing for the duration of the Film Festival. Professor Wilkins’ subjects were photographed over roughly a 10 year period  beginning in 1993, and live in towns and villages with names like Cuajinicuilapa, El Ciruelo, La Estancia, Corralero and Yanga.

All students of history, local Belizeans, promoters of inter-ethnic solidarity, those interested in cross-border friendships and the public-at-large are urged to attend the Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival to check out the films, the exhibit and hear Professor Wilkins’ presentation!

BLACK MEXICO EXHIBIT AT THE GARIFUNA INTERNATIONAL & INDIGENOUS FILM FESTIVAL (GIIFF)!

TIME FOR THE REVOLUTION!

BPP'S PATRICK ROGERS ON KPFK 90.7 FM LOS ANGELES!

SATURDAY 22, 2018, FROM 11 AM-12 PM PACIFIC TIME!

THE HISTORY OF THE ANGLO GUATEMALAN CLAIM!

Hear Brother Patrick Rogers of the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) speak on the "Anglo Guatemalan Claim" of Belize in a one-hour exclusive interview on the Pacifica Radio Network's, KPFK Los Angeles, 90.7 FM on the show, "Freedom Now" with Sista Tejevir.

This is an important history lesson on the unfounded Guatemalan claim of Belize that Belizeans at home and abroad cannot afford to miss. Belizeans need to educate themselves on this very urgent and critical issue now that Belize faces serious threats by Guatemala as it presses its claim for Belize!

VOTE NO TO THE ICJ!

BPP's PATRICK ROGERS, ANGLO GUATEMALAN CLAIM & VOTE NO TO THE ICJ!

The classic music and photo comes to "Belizean Legends" through the courtesy of  two of Belize's outstanding basketball legends, Clinton "Pulu" Lightburn who shared the photo, and Evondale "Coby" Coburn who shared the music of the Messengers. It was always my wish to tell the story of this incredible Belizean artist and band, Ulloyd Hendserson, and his melodic and jazzy Belizean band, The Messengers.

When we produced the long awaited musical feature of one of Belize's balladeers of all times a couple months ago, Harrington Trapp, we were able to get a small glimpse of Ulloyd Henderson & The Messengers through the eyes of Trapp, who had mentioned when The Messengers broke up in the 1960's their band The Promoters, inherited the band instruments of The Messengers.

Harrington Trapp also mentioned that it was Ulloyd Henserson who later migrated to New York and formed the band, The Webb. Trapp also mentioned on Belizean Legends that if any one wants to dispute that fact that they should check in with him. Quite a challenge. The brother knows his Belizean music history.

But what we have here is a story that has never been told, like many other legendary Belizean stories. From this classic pic though, we can see that the line up of The Messengers was classy and which included the legendary Ulloyd Henderson himself on vocals, the late and legendary Pete Mathews on sax, along with the legendary Bill Belisle also on alto sax.

The story of the Bill Belisle also has to be told here, because these were awesome Belizean musicians who played some of the best music in their time. Belizean Legends celebrate their jazzy and soulful touch on the horn.

While we search deeply for music on the Messengers of the 1960's, we can only but graced their accomplishments in this small expose as one of Belize's most incredible bands of the 1960's.

Uylloyd Henderson & The Messengers were classic, they were vintage Belizean soul music, and we wanted to know more about them. Now we know and can hear the classic and vintage music of the Ulloyd Henderson & The Messengers!

BELIZE'S MESSENGERS FEATURING ULLOYD HENDERSON!

This classic photo and music comes to "Belizean Legends" through the courtesy of two of the most outstanding Belizean basketball athletes of all times, Clinton "Pulu" Lightburn and Evondale "Coby" Coburn. It was always my wish to tell the story of this incredible Belizean artist and band, Ulloyd Henderson, and his melodic, R&B, and jazzy Belizean band, "The Messengers".

When we produced the long awaited musical feature of one of Belize's balladeers of all times a couple months ago, Harrington Trapp, we were able to get a small glimpse of Ulloyd Henderson & The Messengers through the eyes of Trapp, who had mentioned when "The Messengers" broke up in the 1960s their band The Promoters, inherited the band instruments of The Messengers.

Harrington Trapp also mentioned that it was Ulloyd Henderson who later migrated to New York and formed the band, The Webb. Trapp also mentioned on "Belizean Legends" that if any one wants to dispute that fact that they should check in with him. Quite a challenge. The brother knows his Belizean music history.

But what we have here is a story that has never been told, like many other legendary Belizean stories. From this classic pic though, we can see that the line up of "The Messengers" was classy and which included the legendary Ulloyd Henderson himself on vocals, the late and legendary Pete Mathews on sax, along with the legendary Bill Belisle also on alto sax.

The story of the Bill Belisle also has to be told here, because these were awesome Belizean musicians who played some of the best music in their time. Belizean Legends celebrate their jazzy and soulful touch on the horn.

While we search deeply for music on the Messengers of the 1960's, we can only but graced their accomplishments in this small expose as one of Belize's most incredible bands of the 1960's.

Uylloyd Henderson & The Messengers were classic and vintage Belizean soul music. Now we can hear this classic and vintage Belizean music!

(Photo through the courtesy of Clinton "Pulu" Lightburn & music through the courtesy of Evondale "Coby" Coburn)

BELIZE'S ULLOYD HENDERSON & THE MESSENGERS!

This classic photo and music comes to "Belizean Legends" through the courtesy of two of the most outstanding Belizean basketball athletes of all times, Clinton "Pulu" Lightburn and Evondale "Coby" Coburn. It was always my wish to tell the story of this incredible Belizean band, "The Messengers".

When we produced the long awaited musical feature of one of Belize's balladeers of all times a couple months ago, Harrington Trapp, we were able to get a small glimpse of Ulloyd Henderson & The Messengers through the eyes of Trapp, who had mentioned when "The Messengers" broke up in the 1960s their band The Promoters, inherited the band instruments of "The Messengers".

Harrington Trapp also mentioned that it was Ulloyd Henderson who later migrated to New York and formed the band, The Webb. Trapp also mentioned on "Belizean Legends" that if any one wants to dispute that fact that they should check in with him. Quite a challenge. The brother knows his Belizean music history.

But what we have here is a story that has never been told, like many other legendary Belizean stories. From this classic pic though, we can see that the line up of "The Messengers" was classy and which included the legendary Ulloyd Henderson himself on vocals, the late and legendary Pete Mathews on sax, along with the legendary Bill Belisle also on alto sax.

The story of the Bill Belisle also has to be told here, because these were awesome Belizean musicians who played some of the best music in their time. Belizean Legends celebrate their jazzy and soulful touch on the horn.

While we search deeply for music on the Messengers of the 1960's, we can only but graced their accomplishments in this small expose as one of Belize's most incredible bands of the 1960's.

The Belizean "Messengers" were classic and vintage Belizean soul music band that also played jazz and latin bolero music. Now we can hear this classic and vintage Belizean music!

(Photo through the courtesy of Clinton "Pulu" Lightburn & music through the courtesy of Evondale "Coby" Coburn)

Denton Morris's Album

THE MESSENGERS OF 1960S BELIZE!

The podcast highlights the escalating crisis about the Belize Guatemalan Dispute and how a 2008 signed Compromis between the Belize and Guatemalan government in Washington sparked tension between the Belizean people and the Belizean government. The Belizean Foreign Minister, Wilfred Elrignton, who referred to Belize's border with Guatemala as artificial has been criticized by Belizeans at home and abroad for misrepresenting the Belizean people in negotiations with the Guatemalan government. As the crisis escalates, the diaspora based organization BREDAA aired a radio program on the issue, and its spokesman, Nuri Akbar Estrada articulated a resistance position against taking the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 

Belize Guatemalan Dispute

In 1996, Belizean Mayan activist Julian Cho visited Washington in the United States to draw attention to the plight of the Belizean Mayans and to stop 17 logging concessions that that the Belize government under the Esquivel Administration had granted to international logging companies, one in particular, the Malaysian logging giant Atlantic Industries, to log on Mayan ancestral lands. A law suit was filed against the Belizean government to stop the logging but Cho who died mysteriously afterwards did not live to see the fruits of his struggle as the Belizean Mayas won an unprecedented victory against government in the Belize supreme court a few years later. Today illegal logging continues to plague Belize's Ministry of Natural Resources and its forestry department under the Barrow administration. The documentary celebrates the struggle of this Belizean revolutionary.

A Tribute To The Late Belizean Mayan Activist Julian Cho

A documentary on one of the most celebrated Belizean nationalist, the late Philip Wilboforce Goldson, and the struggle he waged against the expansionist Guatemalan Claim since 1948. 

Goldson was also the architect of the National Independence Party (NIP), the opposition party that opposed the policies of the Peoples United Party (PUP) led by the popular Belizean leader and Prime Minister George Cadle Price. Minister Goldson, as he is referred to in Belizean political circles, was also one of the founding members of the PUP before leaving the party in the 1950's. 

To date, he remains the most ardent revolutionary to the insidious Guatemalan Claim that remains unsettled up to today. The body of political work in which he has laid down for future generations of Belizeans in resistance to the Guatemalan government aggression to Belizean sovereignty and territorial integrity has today become a revolutionary force that Belizean activist and nationalist continue to use to resist. In tribute to his great political brilliance and resistance for some 46 years, he remains the ardent Belizean nationalist for Belize's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Today, Belizeans at home and abroad continue to resist the present Compromis signed between Belize and Guatemala on December 2008 that the Organization of American States has orchestrated to get both countries to settle the dispute at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 

The historical presentation in the documentary was aired in 1991 on the popular Dickie Bradley Show on the revolutionary KREM radio.

Belizean Nationalist Philip Goldson-The Ardent Revolutionary To The Expanionist Guatemalan Claim

In 1991, the government of Belize who should have claimed a 11 miles territorial sea in international law, only claimed three miles of sea territory as an olive branch to the Guatemalan government to gain access to the high seas. In return the Guatemalan government would have recognized Belize's independence and sovereignty. The move which was presented in a bill was agreed upon by both the Belize government at the time, the Peoples United Party, and its opposition the United Democratic Party, but was not presented to the Belizean people in a referendum. The feature highlights how the Martime Areas Act marginalized the Garifuna fishermen in the southern district of Belize, Toledo, and how it affected life for the Garinagu who depended on fishing and farming as their chief source of subsistence. Today the Guatemalan government which claimed Belizean territory since 1948, continues to press its claim to almost half of Belize and is demanding more access to Belizean territorial seas now known as the Exclusive Economic Zone. In 2008, the Organization of American States pressed for both countries to go to the International Court of Justice to settle the claim by which both countries will present the issue in a referendum to their people. The crisis has continued to place the people of Punta Gorda in the Toledo district under considerable pressure, as that part of the country Belize shares a border with Guatemala that has seen widespread incursions by Guatemalans across the Belizean side of the border. However, it is the high seas of the Atlantic that the dispute will be arbitrated by the ICJ if the dispute is to go to a referendum.    

Giving Up Territorial Seas For Peace: A Garifuna Fisherman Speaks

The piece features an informative interview with Gregorio Aleman in 1991-- the outspoken advocate against the Maritime Areas Act, and former United Democratic Party Senator who lives in the southern town of Punta Gorda in the Belizean district of Toledo. He highlights the drastic mistake that the Belizean government made when they signed the bill that made the Maritime Areas Act law, giving the Guatemalan government access to precious Belizean sea territory for fishing, and robbed the Belizean people of once prized fishing grounds. 

Concessions & Deceptions: Gregorio Aleman Exposes 1991 MAA Act

Belizen vocalist and singer Albert Pyrefiette walked away from fame to find peace with God and himself, he has embarked on a life thereafter as a Christian missionary who accomplished some incredible work in far away countries around the world teaching literacy, caring for orphans, and preaching the gospel of Jesus the Christ to many different races of people worldwide. Though a born-again Christian, Pyrefiette has not totally abandoned his musical career but today continues to use his melodic and beautiful voice as a singer in producing some soulful Gospel music.

Here Is My Heart-Albert Peyrefitte

Belizean vocalist and singer Albert Pyrefiette walked away from fame to find peace with God and himself, he has embarked on a life thereafter as a Christian missionary who accomplished some incredible work in far away countries around the world teaching literacy, caring for orphans, and preaching the gospel of Jesus the Christ to many different races of people worldwide. Though a born-again Christian, Pyrefiette has not totally abandoned his musical career but today continues to use his melodic and beautiful voice as a singer in producing some soulful Gospel music.

Love Is What You Put Into It- Albert Peyrefitte

I Still Believe In Love-Albert Peyrefitte

The big and gentle smile of a man stood out at the gate of the house as his voice called out in one of the kindest way you could imagine. Looking down from the verandah to see who he was, my eyes connected to a face that would become so dared to me because of such deep sense of humility that his character personified.

"Have any ice?" he asked, as his bright smile continue to linger on as though his heart was in it. Nodding my head in the affirmative graciously to him while smiling back, there was absolutely no clue who he was at first until my climbing downstairs to meet him to collect the plastic container for the ice that he had brought.

"I da Sam Hamilton", he said. And immediately we connected knowing right away that he was the legendary Belizean singer and vocalist of the Lord Rhaburn Combo of the 1970s. It was more than once as a teenager attending high school in Belize that Sam's voice came through Radio Belize's airwaves during the 10th. of September celebrations broadcasted live from Belize City's Memorial Park. We Belizeans just loved him.

But my hearing him sing at the dances of the fabulous, Birds Isle, sounded like magic in the ears. His smooth melodic and silky voice would captivate his audiences every time on the dance floor as this dynamic and stylistic lead singer of one of Belize's best bands of the time drew large crowds of partying Belizeans. It was not only the Lord Rhaburn Combo that was popular. But it was Sam Hamilton that also made the legendary Belizean band a hit and famous in Belize.

The dances at the "The Island" were never the "Island" without Sam electrifying the mood of the cool Belizean sea breeze that was blowing off the sea nearby. The wooden dance floor of "The Island" shook, rocked, dipped, and sank with the weight of the crowd as "Rhaburn" return for the next set. Sam's eclectic voice calls out, "yeah baby", and it lifts up every Belizean person from the circular bleachers around and on to the dance floor. He was a Belizean entertainment magician. He just had it.

Sam had a dramatic pull on you as an entertainer of unique ability. My eyes glued to his persona as he grabs the mike and belted out a soulful favorite of mine, "Lady Love", by the legendary African American musical artist Lou Rawls. You hold your partner tight and dance the night away. But it was the magic of Sam that made you move. You would not move unless it is Sam's singing that moved you.

He erased all the pain, sadness, worry from the soul with his beautiful entertainment spirit. He was all gold and everything when it comes to one of Belize's best entertainers and soul singers of all times. If we would bring them all from Harry Shaw, Louis Pyrefitte, Ernest Tillett, Nelson Diamond, Prof Drummond, Dell Smart, and many others, Sam Hamilton would rise like cream on the top. He was a combination of all of them and he could do each of them in his own style.

He is Belizean legend!

Take Off

CALIFORNIA MAIDEN-SAM HAMILTON

A news report on National Public Radio on February 25, 2021 on the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey and his historic work in the 1920s in Black America in the United States. Caribbean radicalism in the 1920s. The feature was narrated by British born historian of Jamaican decent Colin Grant.

MARCUS GARVEY: CARIBBEAN RADICALISM IN THE U.S. IN THE 1920S!

Kalifa Productions is a music and video production company that produces Belizean, Caribbean, R&B, and other forms of music and videos for different types of audiences. It does promos, demos, and the production commercials and infomercials. It's a one-stop production entity that also produces broadcast products radio and T.V, as well as audio books, analog audio and video tape transfer to digital. It also provides a wide range of audio and video tapes for sale on Belize's, history, politics, culture, music and sports, as well as Belize's exciting and colorful tourist video tapes. Check us out at: 323-327-9077 or at belam.kalifa@yahoo.com and on Facebook at Belizean Legends.  

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