The Garifuna Youth Music Initiative Ensemble’s performance included a Tribute in Song to Garifuna Ancestor, Honduran Garifuna Singer Songwriter, Mr. Aurelio Martinez.
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Copyright 2025 by Teofilo Colon Jr (a.k.a. “Tio Teo”) for Being Garifuna. All Rights Reserved. Contact Tio Teo.
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Independence Village, Belize — The Garifuna Youth Music Initiative (GYMI) Ensemble, charmed the Audience at The 2025 Belize Band Fest with a surprising set during the opening ceremonies at the Marching Band Showdown.
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The 2025 Belize Band Fest took place on SATURDAY, April 12th 2025 at Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, Belize. The Belize Band Fest apparently was founded in 2005, making this 20 Years since it’s inception.
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Fresh off a three month music theory workshop at Sacred Heart R.C. School in Dangriga, Belize, The Garifuna Youth Music Initiative Ensemble were invited to perform at the 2025 Belize Band Fest after their Recital Performances last weekend on April 5th 2025 and April 6th 2025 at The Sacred Heart Parish Hall.
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The Belize Band Fest Board Members were impressed by the Recital Performances and promptly extended an Invitation.
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The Youths performed The Belize National Anthem and with their wind instruments and Garifuna Drums, performed a rendition of Honduran Garifuna Ancestor, Singer-Songwriter, Mr. Aurelio Martinez’s song, Landini.
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After their performance,. Belize Minister of Indigenous, Constitutional and Religious Affairs and Transport, as well as Area Representative for Dangriga, Belize, Dr. Hon. Louis Zabaneh, explained to the Audience that the GYMI traveled all the way from Dangriga, and encouraged the Audience to give them another round of applause.
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Founded by Garifuna Artist, Mr. James Lovell in 2024, The Garifuna Youth Music Initiative (GYMI) is an after-school music program dedicated to teaching Garifuna Youths music theory, voice training, and music instrument mastery. All while nurturing cultural pride, creativity, Performing Arts skills development and connection to their cultural heritage.
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“Our Mission is to inspire Garifuna Youth to embrace their culture and express themselves through music. Seeing them shine on a national stage is a proud moment for us all.” — Mr. James Lovell.
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The Garifuna Youth Music Initiative Ensemble’s Performance begins at approximately the 1 Hour and 1 Minute Mark in the video below.
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