The overarching aim of the Belize Garifuna Song Competition is to take Garifuna music back to the pinnacle of world music recognition that Andy Palacio and The Garifuna Collective had taken it to in 2007.

Specific Objectives of the Competition are:

1. To motivate musicians to produce quality Garifuna music that will be of world music standards.
2. To provide a forum allowing musicians to showcase their Garifuna music and jump-start their careers.
3. To encourage Garifuna musicians to continue producing songs in all genres of Garifuna music, thereby contributing to the library of Garifuna music across many genres.
4. To assist musicians in acquiring the skills and equipment and connecting with professionals in the music industry who will assist in propelling them to the pinnacle of world-class music production.
5. To contribute to cultural tourism by attracting international musical enthusiasts to a competition and related events where music of world-class category is being promoted.

The Competition is open to amateur and professional musicians who submit entries in any one of the following 5 genres (categories): Hungu Hungu, Paranda, Punta, Punta Rock or a mix (combination) of two or more of the aforementioned genres.

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Entries are judged on originality, melody, composition, and lyrics. The lyrics of all songs have to be in the Garifuna Language.

Winners of the 2024 Belize Garifuna Song Competition are:

1. Song of the Year Award: “Libagari Garifuna” by Henry Miguel
2. Budding Artist of the Year Award: “Busentiañ” by Rodney “Bam Bam” Avila

   Listen to this years Songs here
   

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This contest tests the participants’ ability to translate words, phrases, sentences, and proverbs from standard English to Garifuna.

In this Contest, each school is represented by 2 students. Ten primary schools participated in 2024. The participating schools were as follows: St. Joseph R.C. School from Barranco Village; P.G. Methodist School, St. Peter Claver R.C. School, St. Benedict RC School and Bethel Seventh Day Adventist School from Punta Gorda Town; St. Alphonsus RC School from Seine Bight Village; Richard Quinn Primary School from Georgetown Village; Holy Family RC School from Hopkins Village and Sacred Heart Primary School and Gulisi Community Primary School from Dangriga Town. This year’s contest was extremely competitive, with a 3-way tie for second place and a two-way tie for third place.

2024 Primary School Garifuna Translation Contest Winners winners were as follows:

The prizes awarded are as follows:

Prizes for Participants:                    

1^st Prize                        1 Mini Laptop and 1 bicycle

2^nd Prize                       1 Tablet and $100.00 Savings Account

3^rd Prize                       1 Tablet and $75.00 Savings Account

4^th Prize                       1 Tablet and a $50.00 Savings Account

5^th Prize                       1 Tablet and a $25.00 Savings account

Consolation Prizes      $50.00 Savings account

Celia Martinez Award**        Celia Martinez Plaque

Prizes for Participating Schools:

1. $25.00 for each participant that the school provides for the contest
2. $100.00 to the school of the 1^st place winner
3. $75.00 to the school of the 2^nd place winner
4. $50.00 to the school of the 3^rd place winner

We are thankful to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology for providing one bus to each school to attend the event and to the following persons for providing the Laptops, tablets, and bicycles for the prizes: Dean Pollard, Raju’s Variety Store, Herman Flores, Sandra Flores, Richard Cacho, and Garreth Herbie Clarke.

First-place winners of the Primary Schools’ Garifuna Translation Contest for past years are as follows:

This contest is an initiative under the Battle of the Drums Garifuna Language retrieval strategic objective, and it is also an initiative under our Garifuna Language in Schools program led by the Battle of the Drums and the National Garifuna Council.

~End of Release~

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High Schools Battle of the Drums featured seven high schools from across Belize as follows:

1. Toledo Community College of Punta Gorda Town
2. Independence High School of Independence Village, Stann Creek District
3. Georgetown Technical High School of Georgetown Village, Stann Creek District
4. Delille Academy of Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District
5. Sadie Vernon High School of Belize City
6. Wesley College of Belize City
7. Ladyville Technical High School of Ladyville Village, Belize District

The event is held under the theme, “Embracing cultural diversity in our oneness as Belizeans”. The objectives are as follows:

1. Allow high school-aged children to compete in a meaningful way while showcasing their talents in the expressive art of Garifuna drumming, singing and dance.
2. Provide a forum for high school-aged youths from different parts of the country to interact with each other while engaging in a positive cultural experience and environment.
3. Generate funds that will be re-invested in the High Schools Battle of the Drums thereby making it self-sustaining.
4. Generate funds that will be used to pursue various Garifuna cultural retrieval projects in the participating high schools.
5. Provide a talent pool for future participating groups for the Adult Battle of the Drums.

The winners of the High Schools Battle of the Drums are as follows:

• 1st Place: Georgetown Technical High School, who won $500.00, 1st Place medals, a pair of Garifuna Drums, and a trophy valued at $800.00.
• 2nd Place- Independence High School $400.00 and 2nd Place medals
• 3rd Place- Delille High School $300.00 and 3rd Place medals
• Other schools obtained consolation prizes of $200.00 each.
• Best Chumba Performance (IHS)Kyla Nunez & Latisha Ramirez (GT)– Tied between Independence High School and Georgetown Technical High School, who won $100.00.
• Best Wanaragua Dancer – Erei Ramos – Independence High School, who won $100.00 each.
• Best Sisira Player – Leon Martinez – Wesley High School, who won $75.00.
• Delille Academy won The Best Gayusa award of $150.00.

All schools were supported in preparing for and participating in the event by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology and the Battle of the Drums Secretariat. The High Schools Battle of the Drums is an activity under the Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance strategic objective of the Battle of the Drums Garifuna Cultural Retrieval and Preservation Initiative.

~END~

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1. St. Joseph R.C. School of Barranco Village
2. St. Peter Claver School of Punta Gorda Town
3. Punta Gorda Methodist School of Punta Gorda Town
4. St. Alphonsus R.C. School of Seine Bight Village
5. Richard Quinn R.C. School of Georgetown Village
6. Holy Family R.C. School of Hopkins Village
7. Holy Ghost R.C. School of Dangriga Town
8. Gulisi Community Primary School of Dangriga Town
9. Sacred Heart R.C. School of Dangriga Town
   

The objectives of the Primary Schools Battle of the Drums are as follows:

• Allow primary school-aged children to compete meaningfully while showcasing their talents
  in the expressive art of Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance.
• Provide a forum for primary school-aged youths from different parts of the country to interact with
  each other while engaging in a positive cultural experience and environment.
• Generate funds that will be re-invested in the Primary Schools Battle of the Drums thereby
  making it self-sustaining.
• Generate funds that will be used to pursue various Garifuna cultural retrieval projects in the
  participating primary schools.
• Provide a talent pool that will provide future participating groups for the High Schools’ Battle of the
  Drums.

The winners of the Primary Schools Battle of the Drums are as follows:

1st Place – Gulisi Community Primary School of Dangriga Town who won $300.00, 1st Place medals, a pair of Garifuna Drum & a trophy valued at 800.00*
2nd Place – St. Alphonsus R. C. School who won $200.00 and 2nd Place medals
3rd Place – Sacred Heart R.C. School who won $150.00 and 3rd Place medals
Other schools obtained consolation prizes of $100.00 each
Best Chumba Performance – Gulisi Community Primary School, who won $50.00

Best Wanaragua Dancer: It was a tie between Rayjaun Lourie of St. Alphonsus R.C. School of Seine Bight Village and Kayden Mejia of Gulisi Community Primary School, who each won $50.00.
Best Sisira Player – Leedan Castillo of Sacred Heart R.C. School, who won $25.00
Holy Family R.C. School won The Best Gayusa award of $50.00

All schools were supported to prepare for and participate in the event by Minister of State Louis Zabaneh, MinisterRodwell Ferguson, Minister of State Dr. Osmond Martinez, The family of Cornelio and Julia Apolonio, and the Battle of the Drums Secretariat

The Primary Schools Battle of the Drums is an activity under the Garifuna drumming, singing and dance strategic objective of the Battle of the Drums Garifuna Cultural Retrieval and Preservation Initiative.,

~END~

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For the first time in the 227 years after this atrocious reality, it is commemorated in Peini Punta Gorda Belize, and it was organized by the Battle of the Drums Secretariat. Peini was originally founded by the Garinagu sometime around 1823. The Garifuna Survival Day event was held at the Central Park in Peini and it featured prayers, speeches, and presentations by school children, youth groups, and adults, as well as, by the Peini Garifuna Choir. Musical entertainment was provided by Georgie’s Garifuna Drummers and New Edition Band.

Two songs that were sung by the Peini Garifuna Choir resonated well with the audience; namely, Luagu Ubou Balliceaux whose lyrics reminded us that, “it was on the island of Balliceaux that we sat and we cried” in a state of utter hopelessness and pity after the initial imprisonment of our people, by the British. The second song, Duna Orinagu, encourages our people to seek learning and intelligence. It also reminds us that educational institutions are available for us to seek advancement to ensure that we do not become the lowly of the earth.

At the end of the event the President of the Battle of the Drums, Darius Avila reminded the audience that the reason that the organization spearheaded the event was because “it is aligned to our organization’s strategic goal of pursuing Garifuna Cultural Retrieval and Preservation”. During the event, in line with the organization’s strategic program of providing support to Garifuna groups that are engaged in some aspect of Garifuna preservation, the President presented pledges of financial support to Georgies Garifuna Drummers (a young Garifuna drumming group) in the amount of $800.00 to purchase uniforms, to Peini Garifuna Choir for $800 to purchase uniforms and to the National Garifuna Council-Peini Branch, $1,200 to assist in covering the cost of annual Garifuna Re-enactment Ceremony (Yurumein) and to assist meeting the cost of Garifuna drumming during the 19 th of November festivities, this year.

See Garifuna Survival Day  2024 Activities here: Watch Now

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The launch of the Garifuna Language in Schools Program is a testament to the collaborative endeavors between the National Garifuna Council and the Battle of the Drums Secretariat. By implementing this program in selected communities of Barranco, Punta Gorda, Georgetown, Seine Bight, Hopkins, and Dangriga, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding and revitalizing our ancestral language for the benefit of present and future generations.

The event saw distinguished guests, including the Minister of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, who expressed her ministry’s full support for the Garifuna Language in Schools Program. She reaffirmed the indigenous identity of the Garifuna people in Belize and the need to provide support the keep the culture intact. Also in attendance was the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, Dr. Hon. Louis Zabaneh. He highlighted the importance of the 2001 UNESCO declaration that recognizes the Garifuna Language, Dance, and Music as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”, the significance of the Garifuna Language in Schools programs, and its alignment to the macro-competency number 5 of the national curriculum of the Ministry of Education and pledged his support to this vital initiative.

Reflecting on the occasion, the President of the Battle of the Drums, Darius Avila expressed regret that such an initiative wasn’t undertaken earlier but expressed delight that this pivotal moment has finally arrived. He also reminded us that as Garinagu “we have a collective obligation to be engaged in the preservation of our culture”.

President of the National Garifuna Council, Sheena Zuniga, underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage through the transmission of the ancestral language to future generations. “Our dedication to reclaiming Garifuna as the language of the home is paramount,” stated Zuniga. “We recognize that the survival of our language hinges upon its transmission to our children, and we urge Garifuna parents to embrace this responsibility wholeheartedly.”

See the ceremony in its entirety here: Watch Now

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The Competition is open to amateur and professional musicians who submit entries in any one of the following 5 genres (categories): Hungu Hungu, Paranda, Punta, Punta Rock, or a mix (combination) of two or more of the aforementioned genres. Entries are judged on originality, melody, composition, and lyrics. The lyrics of all songs have to be in the Garifuna Language.

Winners of the 2023 Belize Garifuna Song Competition are:
1. Song of the Year Award: Nuguchi by G-King Castillo
2. Single Genre Song of the Year Award: Gimugau by Desiree Diego
3. Budding Artist of the Year Award: Udieh Wadieh by Terrick “Mackaz” Magdaleno
4. Budding Artist of the Year Award: Lidan Aban Garifuna by Ethan Mariano

Listen to this year’s songs.

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At the end of the Competition, the following winners were declared:
1st Place – Hanigi Wagübürigu from Dangriga Town. They received $1,800.00, pair of drums & a trophy valued at 1,000.00
2nd Place – Liderebugu Familia from Seine Bight Village. They received $1,200.00 sponsored by the Martin Petillo Family Memorial Account
3rd Place – Walangante Georgetown from Georgetown Village. They received $800.00 sponsored by Raju’s Variety Store.

Consolation Prize went to Heretimatiwa Úwara sponsored by, Olive Tate.
Best Chumba Performance – Heretimatiwa Úwara from Belize City – 150.00
Best Wanaragua Dancer – Walangante Georgetown – $100.00 and a plaque sponsored by Lan Barangu luba Garifunaduou.
Most Exciting Sisira Performance – Trizane Thomas from Heretimatiwa Úwara of Dangriga Town – $100

Maura Lopez Award for Best Group Gayusa – shared by Hanigi Wayunagu of Dangriga Town and Liderebugu Familia, from Seine Bight Village. They received $250 each, sponsored by Family of the late Maura Lopez Olivia Palacio Avila Award for Best Uniform –shared by Walangante Georgetown of Georgetown Village and Hanigi Wagübürigu from Dangriga Town. They received $250 each sponsored by the Battle of the Drums Secretariat in honour of the co-founder of the Battle of the Drums, Mrs. Olivia Palacio Avila.

The annual Battle of the Drums festivities are held each year in Peini Punta Gorda, Belize. The festivities showcase various aspects of the Garifuna culture while at the same time creating income generating opportunities for the Battle of the Drums Secretariat so that we can support our Garifuna cultural retrieval and preservation initiative which is pursued under the 3 main pillars:
1. Garifuna Language retrieval and preservation
2. Garifuna Drumming, Singing and Dance retrieval and preservation; and,
3. Garifuna Community support.

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Celebrating the Participants: Five high schools proudly participated in the 2022 High Schools Battle of the Drums:

1. Sadie Vernon Technical High School
2. Delille Academy
3. George Town Technical High School
4. Independence High School
5. Toledo Community College

Each of these schools brought their unique style and energy to the stage, making it a memorable event for all who attended.

Objectives of the Event: The High Schools Battle of the Drums serves several important purposes:

1. Showcasing Youth Talent: The event provides a platform for high school students to showcase their talents in Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance.
2. Cultural Exchange: It brings together youths from different parts of Belize, allowing them to interact and engage in a positive cultural experience. This fosters cultural exchange and strengthens their sense of community.
3. Self-Sustainability: The event aims to generate funds that can be reinvested in future editions of the High Schools Battle of the Drums, ensuring its self-sustainability.
4. Cultural Preservation: Funds raised are also used to support Garifuna cultural retrieval projects in participating high schools, preserving and passing down cultural traditions to the next generation.
5. Talent Pool: High Schools Battle of the Drums creates a talent pool that can participate in the Annual (Adult) Battle of the Drums Competition and Show, ensuring the continuity of this cultural celebration.

The Winners and Their Achievements: The event’s climax was the announcement of the winners, who demonstrated exceptional skills and passion for Garifuna culture:

1st Place – Independence High School: Independence High School took home the coveted 1st place, along with a cash prize of $500.00. They also received 1st Place medals, a pair of Garifuna drums, and a trophy valued at $800.00, making their victory even more special.

2nd Place – Delille Academy: Delille Academy secured the 2nd place position, earning a prize of $400.00 and 2nd Place medals. Their dedication to preserving Garifuna culture shone through their performance.

3rd Place – Georgetown Technical High School: Georgetown Technical High School claimed the 3rd place, winning $300.00 and 3rd Place medals. Their impressive display of talent delighted the audience.

Special Awards: In addition to the top three schools, several individual awards were given out to recognize exceptional talent:

• Best Chumba Performance: Georgetown Technical High School received a special award of $100.00 for their outstanding Chumba performance.
• Best Wanaragua Dancer: Erei Ramos of Independence High School was awarded $100.00 for being the Best Wanaragua Dancer, captivating the audience with his dance moves.
• Best Sisira Player: Steven Valentine from Delille Academy was recognized as the Best Sisira Player, receiving a well-deserved $75.00 prize.
• The Best Gayusa Award: Georgetown Technical High School won the Best Gayusa award and received $50.00 for their remarkable performance.

Support for All Participants: While some schools achieved top honors, every participating school received recognition and support. Other schools received consolation prizes of $200.00, and all schools were granted $50.00 each to contribute to their uniforms. This inclusive approach ensures that every school can continue to participate and thrive in the High Schools Battle of the Drums.

The 2022 High Schools Battle of the Drums was a resounding success, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Garifuna people and the remarkable talents of Belizean high school students. This event not only serves as a platform for youth to showcase their abilities but also as a means to preserve and nurture their cultural traditions. It promotes unity, positivity, and self-sustainability, enriching the lives of those who participate and attend.

The High Schools Battle of the Drums is a shining example of how cultural events can empower young generations, ensuring the preservation of cultural traditions for years to come. We eagerly look forward to the next edition, where even more youth will have the chance to shine and keep the heartbeat of Garifuna culture alive in Belize

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1. Stann Creek Ecumenical High School
2. Delille Academy
3.  George Town Technical High School
4.  Independence High School
5. Julian Cho Technical High School
6. Toledo Community College
7.  Wesley College
8.  Maud Williams High School

The objectives of this event are as follows:

1. Allow high school-aged youths to compete in a meaningful way while showcasing their talents in the expressive art of Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance;
2. Provide a forum for high school-aged youths from different parts of the country to interact with each other while engaging in a positive cultural experience and environment;
3.  Generate funds that will be re-invested in the High Schools Battle of the Drums thereby making itself sustaining;
4. Generate funds that will be used to pursue various Garifuna cultural retrieval projects in the participating high schools;
5. Provide a talent pool that will provide future participating groups for the Annual (Adult) Battle of the Drums Competition and Show.

The winners of the High Schools Battle of the Drums are as follows:

1st Place – Independence High School who won $500.00, 1st Place medals, a pair of Garifuna Drum & a trophy valued at $800.00

2nd Place – Georgetown Technical High School who won $400.00 and 2nd Place medals

3rd Place – Delille Academy who won $300.00 and 3rd Place medals

Best Chumba Performance – Independence High School, who won $100.00
Best Wanaragua Dancer – Leroy Gonzalez from Ecumenical High School, who won $100.00
Best Sisira Player – Steven Valentine from Delille Academy, who won $75.00

Independence High School, Delille Academy, and Georgetown Technical High School tied for The Best Gayusa Group award. They will share $150.00 Other schools received consolation prizes of $200.00. All schools received $50.00 each for contributions to their uniforms. The High Schools Battle of the Drums is an activity under the Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance strategic objective of the Battle of the Drums Garifuna Cultural Retrieval and Preservation Initiative.

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