Curl Miller Sr. is the lead singer for Gilharry 7 but it was his Kriol Collective that won Friday night’s 4th annual Bruk Dong Competition at the House of Culture. He beat out veterans like Leelah Vernon and Brother David with the song “Play Granny Noh Play.” He told us how he kept it in the family.
Curl Miller Sr., Winner
“The song was inspired by my great grandmother that passed away so I write the song. We have eight members, including myself, and we’re all family members.
When we got the call concerning the competition, I wanted to use base guitar and keyboard but when I watched the paper that she gave me, I noticed that she wanted it to be really roots. So what I did is went back to the real roots. In the contest I used a bucket, a grater, a bottle, I had a Belizean flag, I had two dancers, and that is what I did.
I feel very good. I always wanted to accept something like this. This is my first year. I entered the carnival song competition and I didn’t do well there but I love my song still.”
Miller won $2,000 and a trophy. Leelah Vernon and the Baymen’s Clan placed second and they won a thousand dollars. In the junior category – the Gales Point Bruk Dong band won first prize. The team of Emmit Young and Gilroy August took home a thousand dollars. A special prize of $300 for participation went to the Young Creations Band from Wesley College.
