Their last tour of Mexico had to be cancelled when the swine flu craze began. But now, the Garifuna Collective, Belize’s most internationally praised music group, has reloaded and is heading to Canada for a string of shows. We spoke to them shortly before they left today and found veteran Joshua Arana, nervous but ready”
Joshua Arana, Garifuna Collective
“Emotionally it is very hard for me, very very hard since it is the first time going back to Canada since Andy made his mark there on the first leg of the Watina Tour. We are expecting a lot. Actually there is a whole lot
on the table. Umalali has a lot to prove. Lloyd here has a lot to prove. We need to show Belize, we need to show the world that yes Andy Palacio has passed on, yes he was a great leader, yes he was the Belizean icon but the work does continue and we are here to continue the work with Umalali and the Garifuna Collective.”
Sofia Blanco, Umalali
“It is very emotional for me because I still miss him even though it will be two years, the year has passed and since it is the first time for me in Canada without him and he has gone and left a mark there, I am willing to take up that challenge in putting ourselves where he was. The changes is
that now the women are up front. At first we were like at backstage answering, doing back vocals and now we are taking the lead which we are willing to kick some butts. So Lloyd look out, we are coming.”
Lloyd, Garifuna Collective
“I just feel like I am just there to play my part in terms of singing Andy’s songs for his fans so that they will be able to hear his songs and working with the Umalali women so I feel good to be there and helping out. That is the way how I feel.”
Sofia Blanco, Umalali
“I excited, happy to sing my songs.”
After their Canadian tour, the group will be performing concerts here in Belize. The group has done concerts in over 20 countries, and aspires for much more. Their fourth album will be a tribute to Andy Palacio and is scheduled to be released in 2010. The group will be returning to Belize on July 28th.
