The Garifuna Collective - Ayó - Digital Booklet
The Garifuna Collective - Ayó - Digital Booklet
The Garifuna Collective - Ayó - Digital Booklet
With Ayó (“Goodbye” in the Garifuna language) Palacio’s band Even though they have lost loved ones, The Garifuna Collective’s
proves they are up to the task. With a lineup that consists of membership continues to grow. In fact, the group is not a band
the best musicians in the fertile Garifuna music scene, The in the traditional sense; it’s more of a cultural advocacy group.
Garifuna Collective promises to carry the torch of cultural “Anybody can play, anybody can join, The Collective could have
innovation and promotion passed on by Andy Palacio far into five hundred members for all I care,” notes Duran. Musicians
the future. young and old are allowed to participate in rehearsals, and the
members chosen to be part of the touring group can change
Palacio was already a national hero in his native Belize when depending on circumstances.
he suffered a heart attack and stroke in January 2008. His
premature death devastated his fans and community, but the The Garifuna Collective’s continued development is the direct
musicians who had accompanied him and the new generation result of Wátina’s success and a powerful homage to Andy
of Garifuna artists he inspired refused to let the story end there. Palacio’s impact. Duran concludes, “Since that album was
released, there isn’t any more fear that Garifuna music is going to
Indeed, the tale of the Garifuna people has always been one die out. Andy’s biggest legacy is just showing the way, proving
of triumph over tragedy. A minority culture in Central America, that the world is interested in this culture’s music. It helped
descendants of the intermarriage of Africans who escaped their children in small villages understand that their culture is just as
colonial captors and Arawak Indians, the Garifuna have long important as anybody else’s. That sense of self-pride is a potent
struggled to maintain their unique language, cultural traditions message that continues to echo across Belize and inspire new
and music in the face of globalization and discrimination. musicians to keep their traditions thriving.” Ayó carries on that
mission and reveals that the well of Garifuna musical talent is
deep and continues to be refreshed by new generations.
1.Ayó (Goodbye) (L. Augustine)
The pain of Andy Palacio’s passing persists and this song expresses the depth of feeling
occasioned by that sudden and terrible loss. Accompanied by a semi-sacred Hüngü-
Hüngü rhythm, “Ayó” was the first of many tribute songs composed after Andy’s death.
Ayó, ayó, ayó, beiba, Andy, ayó Farewell, farewell, take your leave, Andy, farewell
Ayó ayó, ayó, bameragua, Andy, ayó Farewell, farewell, take your rest, Andy, farewell
Lloyd Augustine: Lead Vocals & Guitar • Backing Vocals: Desiree Diego, Sheldon Petillo, Mohobub Flores
Joshua Arana: Garifuna Primero Drum • Denmark Flores: Garifuna Segunda Drum • Giovani Chi:
Maracas • Drew Gonsalves: Cuatro • Guayo Cedeño: Lead Guitar • Sam Harris: Lead Guitar • Nuru
Dyaan Ellis: Electric Guitar • Ivan Duran: Bass & Electric Guitar • Al Ovando: Electric Guitar & Maya Guitar
2.Galuma (Calm) (L. Augustine, I. Duran)
Lloyd Augustine: Lead Vocals • Backing Vocals: Desiree Diego, Lloyd Augustine, Sheldon Petillo,
Mohobub Flores • Joshua Arana: Garifuna Primero Drum & Maracas • Giovani Chi: Garifuna Segunda
Drum • Drew Gonsalves: Electric Guitar, Bottle & Cuatro • Ivan Duran: Bass, Acoustic & Electric Guitar
Guayo Cedeño: Lead Guitars • Al Ovando: Turtle Shells, Maya Guitar & Electric Guitar
3.Kame Báwara (Why Did You Call?) (M. Aranda, I. Duran, H. Flores, S. Petillo) 4.Ubóu (The World) (L. Augustine, I. Duran, J. Miranda)
“Kame Báwara” is about a stifling relationship that is likened to a prison. The song’s “Ubóu” asks, “What is wrong with this world where children are dying while
chorus is based on a traditional Abeimahani song that Chela Torres learned while governments are spending financial resources to buy arms to make war? Who
growing up in Honduras. The Garifuna Collective transformed it into a dancable Paranda fights for our children?” It makes the case that we are all responsible.
tune by adding new lyrics and harmonies while maintaining some of the beauty of the
ancestral Amerindian melodies common in Garifuna music.
Chella Torres: Lead Vocals • Mohobub Flores: Lead Vocals • Sheldon Petillo: Lead Vocals • Lionel Lloyd Augustine: Lead Vocals • Justo Miranda: Lead Vocals • Lugua Centeno: Lead Vocals • Backing
Thompson: Rap • Backing Vocals: Lloyd Augustine, Sheldon Petillo, Desiree Diego, Mohobub Vocals: Lloyd Augustine, Sheldon Petillo, Desiree Diego, Joshua Arana, Mohobub Flores • Joshua
Flores & Lugua Centeno • Joshua Arana: Garifuna Primero Drum • Denmark Flores: Garifuna Arana: Garifuna Primero Drum • Giovani Chi: Garifuna Segunda Drum & Maracas • Denmark Flores:
Segunda Drum • Rolando Sosa: Maracas • Al Ovando: Jaw Bone, Turttle Shells, Banjolin & Maya Garifuna Segunda Drum • Claps: The Garifuna Collective • Ivan Duran: Bass & Electric Guitar • Danny
Guitar • Ivan Duran: Bass & Electric Guitar • Guayo Cedeño: Lead Guitar • Nuru Dayaan Ellis: Michel: Bass • Guayo Cedeño: Lead Guitar • Al Ovando: Electric Guitar • Sam Harris: Lead Guitar
Electric Guitar • Drew Gonsalves: Acoustic Guitar Drew Gonsalves: Cuatro & Acoustic Guitar
5.Mongulu (M. Aranda, D. Diego, H. Flores, I. Duran)
The singer expresses the confidence that in spite of the challenges, her son Móungulu,
will grow up. While the parent sacrifices to raise her child for his own sake, there is also
the hope that he in turn will look out for the parent as the need arises. The Garifuna
Collective’s preferred setting is when everyone sings in unison or call and response
and anyone can join with handclaps or a percussion instrument. Some of the most
memorable songs in Garifuna culture have been created and popularized in this
fashion.
Chela Torres: Lead Vocals • Desiree Diego: Lead Vocals • Mohobub Flores: Lead Vocals
Backing Vocals: Lloyd Augustine, Sheldon Petillo, Mohobub Flores, Desiree Diego, Chela Torres
& Joshua Arana • Joshua Arana: Garifuna Primero Drum, Clave & Maracas • Denmark Flores:
Garifuna Segunda Drum • Al Ovando: Bass, Jaw Bone, Maya Guitar & Electric Guitar • Claps:
The Garifuna Collective • Guayo Cedeño: Electric Guitars • Ivan Duran: Electric & Acoustic
Guitar • Sam Harris: Electric Guitar • Drew Gonsalves: Cuatro • Juni Mar: Bass
6.Pomona (L. Augustine, I. Duran) 7.Beíba Nuwari (Go Away From Me) (M. Aranda)
Garifuna songs also capture and preserve local history. This song gets its name from
the village in Belize where a factory was located and is still the heart of the citrus This is a remake of a traditional Abeimahani, a Garifuna solidarity song, usually
industry. The industry attracted workers even from beyond the borders of Belize. Here, performed acapella by women who sing and move together while holding each
a former worker (now presumably in Honduras) sends back a song to be sung by the other’s pinky fingers. In the song a person is left helpless on the wharf at La Ceiba in
workers, with a plea that the boss allow them to sing it on the job. neighboring Honduras by someone who claims Garifuna people are ungrateful. The
Garifuna Collective experimented by adding the powerful Hüngü-Hüngü rhythm
and guitars to bring new life to this increasingly rare form of traditional singing.
Lloyd Augustine Lead Vocals & Acoustic Guitar • Rolando “Chichiman” Sosa: Lead Vocals Backing Vocals:
Lloyd Augustine, Sheldon Petillo, Mohobub Flores, Desiree Diego, Chela Torres, Joshua Arana • Denmark
Flores: Garifuna Segunda Drum • Joshua Arana: Garifuna Primero Drum & Clave • Desiree Diego: Maracas Lead Vocals: Chela Torres • Backing Vocals: Desiree Diego, Mohobub Flores, Lloyd Augustine & Sheldon Petillo •
• Al Ovando: Jaw Bone, Maya Guitar & Electric Guitar Ivan Duran: Bass & Electric Guitar • Guayo Cedeño: Denmark Flores: Garifuna Segunda Drum • Joshua Arana: Garifuna Primero Drum & Maracas • Desiree Diego:
Lead Guitar • Sam Harris: Lead Guitar Drew Gonsalves: Cuatro • Danny Michel: Rhodes Piano & Cow Bell Shakers • Ivan Duran: Bass, Acoustic & Electric Guitar • Guayo Cedeño: Lead Guitar • Al Ovando: Electric & Maya
Guitar • Drew Gonsalves: Acoustic Guitar & Cuatro
8.Gudemei (Poverty) (L. Augustine, E. Centeno, I. Duran) Safabana, Núguchili, lídangien gudemei Save me, my father, from poverty
Chibabei lagübüri le gadanbálina, Baba Wash away the evil in which I find myself, Father
“Gudemei” is a comment on the tendency of some people to invoke the Great Spirit Tafurieidun amu dan le anuhoun la lidan lamiselu Her prayer when she is in trouble
when in trouble and then forget about Him when all is going well. This song utilizes Tafurieidun amu dan le úa la saliti tun Her prayer when nothing goes well for her
the Gunjei rhythm which is one of the lesser known Garifuna rhythms. The Collective Tabuidudun katoun bulieiwati liri Things go well and His Name is forgotten
is trying to popularize traditional rhythms for the young generation by combining Taribadun katoun liri háwara furumie When things go bad His is the first Name called
contemporary melodies and arrangements with a traditional beat.
Safabana, Núguchili, lídangien gudemei Save me, my father, from poverty
Chibabei lagübüri le gádanbalina, Baba Wash away the evil in which I find myself, Father
Ídera bawa gia, wanwa Do help us, dear one,
Rubei búhobu woun Reach out to us
Lloyd Augustine: Lead Vocals • Lugua Centeno: Lead Vocals • Backing Vocals: Desiree Diego, Sheldon Petillo, Mohobub
Flores & Chela Torres • Denmark Flores: Garifuna Segunda Drum • Joshua Arana: Garifuna Primero Drum & Maracas •
Ídera bawa gia, wanwa Do help us, dear one,
Al Ovando: Jaw Bone, Maya Guitar & Electric Guitar • Ivan Duran: Bass, Acoustic & Electric Guitar • Guayo Cedeño: Lead Ídera bawa me ei Oh, do help us!
Guitar • Sam Harris: Lead Guitar • Drew Gonsalves: Cuatro & Acoustic Guitar • Danny Michel: Rhodes Piano
Safabana, Núguchili, lídangien gudemei Save me, my Father, from poverty
Chibabei lagübüri le gadanbalina, Baba Wash away the evil in which I find myself, Father
9.Dungua (Meet) (J. Arana, I. Duran)
Social control is one of the functions of songs in Garifuna culture. Be careful what you do
or say for it may be captured in a song and broadcast for the world to hear. In “Dungua”,
two men arrive at a woman’s house at the same time. She blames the neighbor who
responds with this song (for all to know) asserting that the real reason is bad scheduling
on the woman’s part!
Charabaa badügüni an bidaradun aü! You have messed up in making your schedule!
Ansan nuguyaba lubéi bírida? Why am I the one you blame?
Wátina tuni nubesina I call out to my neighbor
Dungua eyeriun yara munada Men have met there at the house
Joshua Arana: Lead Vocals & Garifuna Primero Drum • Giovani Chi: Lead Vocals & Garifuna Segunda
Drum • Lloyd Augustine: Lead Vocals • Justo Miranda: Lead Vocals • Backing Vocals: Lloyd Augustine,
Sheldon Petillo, Desiree Diego, Joshua Arana, Giovani Chi, Mohobub Flores • Claps: The Garifuna
Collective • Desiree Diego: Maracas • Al Ovando: Jaw Bone, Acoustic, Electric & Maya Guitar • Ivan
Duran: Bass, Acoustic & Electric Guitar • Guayo Cedeño: Lead Guitar • Sam Harris: Lead Guitar
10.Aganba (Listen) (E. Centeno, I. Duran, L. Augustine) 11.Alagan (Legacy) (D. Diego, L. Augustine, I. Duran)
This is a comment on the scourge of HIV/AIDS and a reaction that the man gets from Traditional Garifuna culture is based on the concept of sharing, reciprocity, the spiritual
his spouse when he announces his intention to visit his home town in a neighboring principle of “Au bun, Amürü nu” (I for you and you for me). Occasionally, as in this case, a
country. She begs him not to go because she fears that he will return infected with conflict arises when someone adopts western notions regarding property and individual
AIDS. inheritance. Desiree Diego wrote this song, when the “legal” owner of the house lot
forced her to vacate the house she had built. Desiree sings, “The wealthy and the poor
will die and property will remain behind.”
Nawarayáli gu me ñou numalali, haña, ayéi
Hama Laru Beya lun haganbuni
Waduheñu yara wabioun Fulasu manügü bubéi búmagua
O béibugaa ya sa me ñou bageiroun, Muna manügü nubóun númagua
Wanwa, ayéi Barüboun bani me
au le mabuserun numutu
Taríenga numari nu, Aü midin ba, midin ba;
Gíbeti sandi ñei Alugurabéi bufulasun aü
Biabi me wábioun, Fayeibéi bibagari lun Bungiu
Dúrei yádibu Dan me lachülürün dan; lun Faradiu
Dúrei yádibu, dúrei yádibu Dan me lachülürün dan
Mayeda bana, nadari Lachülürün dan...Lachülürün dan
Mayeda bana, númari ...Lachülürün dan
Lugua Centeno: Lead Vocals • Lloyd Augustine: Lead Vocals & Electric Guitar • Backing Vocals:
Desiree Diego: Lead Vocals & Maracas • Lloyd Augustine: Lead Vocals • Backing Vocals: Desiree
Lugua Centeno, Lloyd Augustine, Justo Miranda, Lionel Thompson & The Grandmaster
Diego, Lloyd Augustine, Sheldon Petillo • Denmark Flores: Garifuna Segunda Drum • Joshua Arana:
Joshua Arana: Garifuna Segunda & Primero Drum • Desiree Diego: Maracas & Clave
Garifuna Primero Drum • Ivan Duran: Bass Guitar • Guayo Cedeño: Lead Guitar • Sam Harris: Electric
Al Ovando: Jaw Bone & Bass • Ivan Duran: Bass & Electric Guitar • Guayo Cedeño: Lead Guitar
Sam Harris: Lead Guitar • Drew Gonsalves: Cuatro
Guitar • Drew Gonsalves: Cuatro • Al Ovando: Maya & Electric Guitar
12.Seremei Buguya (Thanks to You)
(J. Miranda, I. Duran, A. Martinez, A. Ovando)
On this final track, Justo Miranda took a traditional Paranda melody and turned it into
a tribute to Andy Palacio. The song comments on the massive funeral with which Andy
was honored, the likes of which had never been seen in Belize. Sadly, Justo passed away
in Honduras a few months after recording this song. The news of his death traveled too
late and none of his friends in the Garifuna Collective were able to attend his funeral.
Kame bígirawa?
Justo Miranda: Lead Vocals • Aurelio Martinez: Lead Vocals • Lloyd Augustine: Lead Vocals • Backing Vocals: Lugua
Centeno, Lloyd Augustine, Sheldon Petillo & Mohobub Flores • Desiree Diego: Maracas Giovani Chi: Garifuna
Segunda Drum • Joshua Arana: Garifuna Primero Drum • Ivan Duran: Bass & Electric Guitar • Al Ovando: Jaw
Bone, Maya & Electric Guitar • Guayo Cedeño: Lead Guitar • Drew Gonsalves: Electric Guitar
Produced by Ivan Duran