Garifuna Collective Marks 20 Years With European Anniversary Tour

The internationally acclaimed Garifuna Collective is celebrating twenty years of promoting Belizean music and Garifuna heritage on the global stage.  Minister of Culture Francis Fonseca and the National Institute of Culture and History have congratulated the group on the milestone, which is being marked with a fourteen-day tour across the United Kingdom, Ireland and Germany. The tour provides another opportunity for international audiences to experience the rhythms, melodies and traditions associated with Garifuna music. The anniversary has also been accompanied by a cover feature in Songlines Magazine, a prominent international publication focused on global music. The cover photograph was taken in Belize by Jeremy Lewis of Hopkins Village, adding another local element to the recognition.  Over the past two decades, the Garifuna Collective has earned international attention for presenting traditional Garifuna sounds while helping to introduce the culture to new audiences. The Wall Street Journal previously praised the group’s music for its complex rhythms, strong groove and rich melodies.  The touring lineup includes Desiree Diego, Kenrick Lewis, Mohobub Flores, Al Ovando, Denmark Flores, Emilio Thomas, Sam Harris and Austin Aranda.  The Government says the achievement reflects the importance of institutional support provided through the Ministry of Culture and NICH. The milestone, however, also represents years of work by the musicians, cultural practitioners and communities responsible for preserving and passing on Garifuna traditions.  The Garifuna Collective has thanked NICH, its fans and supporters worldwide for helping it maintain an international presence and keep Belizean music before global audiences.