Nearly half a century of Belizean music history will be on one stage for one night this weekend. Sam Hamilton, Pablo Clarke, and Nelita Castillo are just some of the big names who will be honored at the 2005 Lord Rhaburn Awards show. It is scheduled for tomorrow night at the Bliss Center. The stars arrived in Belize this morning and 7NEWS was at the airport to greet them.
Keith SwiftReporting,
With luggage in their hands, Codrington Pascasio and Harry Shaw may look like regular airline passengers but these men are actually royalty in Belize's musical fraternity. They arrived this afternoon alongside Mr. Showtime, Prof Drummond, and were greeted by the Lord himself, Lord Rhaburn, and NICH President Yasser Musa.
Prof Drummond, 'Showtime'
"They call me Showtime. It's like fifty five years in the business. I am one of the originators of Lord Rhaburn Combo, from its inception and we are still together."
Keith Swift,
You were here last year, for people who missed it what would you say to them?
Prof Drummond,
"As they say in Creole, they better get there early. Don't miss this one because Showtime is back in town and I am here to give them a show. That is why they call me Showtime."
Codrington Pascasio,
"I started playing when I was eight years old and then I lost interest but got back into it when I was twelve. I played and played inn various places and then Gerald discovered me, Gerald Rhaburn, and I played with him for like seven years and then I went to LA."
Keith Swift,
You said he discovered you?
Codrington Pascasio,
"Yeah he did. He did. I was playing at a club in Belize and he came up and listened to me. I thought he was just passing but didn't know he came to se if I was ready."
Harry Shaw,
"My name is Harry Shaw. I love to sing. The man that really inspired me and gave me my start was Lord Rhaburn, Gerald Rhaburn. I am here because I am going to tear it up. I am glad to be here. I didn't even sleep, I just wanted to come back to Belize. I just wanted to come back."
Keith Swift,
What song will Belizeans know you by?
Harry Shaw,
"They know me by 'Delilah.'" [Sings a part of the song.] "I will do more tomorrow."
And speaking of tomorrow - Lord Rhaburn says it is more than just a music show,
it will be a history lesson.
Lord Rhaburn,
"This is something not only for Rhaburn, this is something for the whole nation."
Codrington Pascasio,
"The importance I see of this is to give the young people courage and let them understand that music is very important as a part of the culture."
Lord Rhaburn,
"This show will be an experience. Its not only a show."
The Lord Rhaburn Award Show is scheduled for tomorrow night. Tickets are available at the Bliss Center's box office and they are going for $30 and $60.
