A strong component of Garifuna song is storytelling, giving advice, and sharing news. This song begins with someone named Miss Rose bringing terrible news: a body has been found by the beach. They are crying in Dangriga and will make a tomb the beach. They sing to the dead “Get up, don’t stay here by yourself.” As they repeat the lines over and over, trying to will the dead back to life, their pain is shared throughout the community.
from
Aban,
released September 15, 2019
Sheldon Petillo: Lead Vocals
Marcela Aranda: Vocals
Desiree Diego: Vocals and Maracas
Mohobub Flores: Vocals and Turtle Shells
Emilio Thomas: Vocals, Claps
Rolando “Chichiman” Sosa: Garifuna Drum, Clave
Denmark Flores: Garifuna Drums
Sam Harris: Vocal and Electric Guitar
Guayo Cedeno: Lead Electric Guitar
Eli Levinson: Sampling and programming
Ivan Duran: Bass, Electric Guitar and Field Sounds
Al Ovando: Lead and Rhythm Electric Guitar, Maya Guitar
Umalali field vocal recording by Marcela Lewis Group , Hopkins, Belize, circa 1998