“Watina” – just say the word and it triggers instant recognition as one of Belize’s most well liked and celebrated albums, delivered by the peerless, now deceased Andy Palacio. But now, the man who produced Watina, Ivan Duran says that album is only the start to what he hopes will be a revolution in the way Belizean music is appreciated at home and received in the world. The next step comes with Umalali – an album of songs by Garifuna women. And while there is no Andy Palacio fronting it, we found out what makes this an irresistible, groove heavy recording that’s packed with the thing called “soul.”
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
In the traditional Garifuna culture music pervades life - from cassava bread making to bi-centennial celebrations. And the songs, the cultural memory is often carried by women.
Ivan Duran, Producer
“Early on I noticed that music was in them and was part of their daily lives the songs that sing are almost for every activity that they do; they will have a song or they will have a story to tell and that struck me from the very beginning and I thought it would be a really interesting project to do an album just with Garifuna women.”
That album is Umalali - the Garifuna Women’s Project – songs performed by Garifuna women from Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.
[Video Clip of Women Performing]
The songs were recorded between 1997 and 2007 and a decade later Duran produced the album - as he did with Watina – and in some sense it is connected to that hugely successful album.
Ivan Duran,
“Like you say, there’s a connection between Watina and Umalali and more than one. It shares the same esthetic as Watina, it shares the same sound. The Garifuna Collective as a group has been in charge of pushing the limits of Garifuna music and exploring new directions to take Garifuna music to and these are the same musicians who played on Watina and played on Umalali. It remains to be seen whether Umalali will become as successful as Watina. Certainly we are hoping so. Why I think it is more important is that Umalali will show that there is a lot more than just Watina. Andy always used to say there is a lot more where I come from.”
And Umalali delivers on that promise – in heaping servings of folk music, stewed in soul, and set against lush and resonant musical backdrops.
Ivan Duran,
"Umalali is full of stories, stories of these women who have been singing all their lives, never imagining that they would get an opportunity to record and for their voices to be heard in the world.”
Two who will be heard are Chella Torres and Desiree Diego. They performed some of the songs acapella at today’s launching.
Desiree Diego, Performer
“I am singing from the age of 13 and now I am 32. I will be 33 the 15th of April. So I never did think that I would have get on a stage where people would be screaming out and shouting and cheering for em to sing a song.”
Ivan Duran,
“It’s truly remarkable that these voices exist in the community but have never been recorded.”
And now that they have been recorded – these women say nothing could have prepared them for the sound of the final product.
Desiree Diego,
“And I must say that I was so much surprised to hear how the whole thing come about after the recording in the studio. So I am pleased and I have heart-full just to know that we are on that CD.”
And it is a CD that now goes out into the world. The international release was last week Tuesday – and the local release, today. Most of those who hear it don’t know a word of Garifuna – and while the lyrics have been translated by Andy Palacio – the musical connection comes from an even deeper level.
Ivan Duran,
“Also I don’t think language is a barrier. Music has this ability to speak to the heart, to touch the souls of people.”
The album was released today and is available at local record stores. It is an enhanced CD and features 36 minutes of documentary video about the making of the album. Those wanting a sample of the music can visit the Bliss on Sunday night at 6:00 for the Andy Palacio Tribute Concert where a number of the female vocalists will sing.
