If you plan to hit up Placencia this Easter in Belize, be sure to check out “Easter Beach Bash 2011” which is in Association with Heineken. Meaning, great times, great drinks and an awesome line up which includes: Stone Jam, Cloud 9  Sounds, Krossfyah Sounds and more; with a special performance by  Lova Boy.

Location: Cozy Corner

Date: April 23rd and 24th

Late I know…so I am just going to put up my pics from the Shyne Concert (Cd Release Party)…I won’t bother explaining what all went down because I think you’ve heard it from somewhere already.

Long story short…started late, technical difficulties, no shows (Barrington Levy), dissapointing acts, few good acts, DJ’s saving it (thanks Black Chiney) and Shyne at dawn, crowd was tired–the end……. P.S. My cam died on me early that night so sorry for the shitty pics from my friend’s cam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s a quiet Wednesday morning; most people are still trying to get in the frame of mind to grind out another day at work. But in the heart of Belize City, Lindy D is already bumping Roots Reggae music out of his studio. The Internationally acclaimed DJ, who once won the Belize Heineken Green Synergy DJ Competition, took time to talk to BZHypeMeter.com about his upcoming Roots, Rock, Reggae Concert and the DJ scene in Belize.

Lindy D has been on the Belizean DJ scene for the best part of 15 years. As he explains, he came from a musical family and music was simply part of everyday life. Stating that, “Music is from your heart, when your heart pumps it is music, so music is instilled in you.”

After finishing school, because of the natural party surroundings he grew up in, it was natural for him to try his hand as a DJ. When asked about the early days he mentions, “Back then it was more about Block Parties and Souls; more lovers and couples and stuff. From back then to now there has been a big change, especially with the dancehall thing.”

What are some the toughest parts about being a DJ?

Lindy D: “I won’t lie, it’s hard to be a DJ and be in a relationship. You also have to be very versatile, especially because Belize is such a mix culture. So you have to do a lot of studying but the relationship part is definitely the toughest, especially because of the travels involved.”

When asked about what he got from being a DJ…

Lindy stated: I love seeing people happy at the end of the night after I Dj, that brings joy to me. Dj’s on a whole are a set of leaders because everyone listens to music, music is a part of everyday life, it is a necessity; so as a DJ you are kind of feeding the people. You also get to travel and meet a lot of people, so it’s really nice.

 

Are you conscious of your role as a DJ in terms of helping Belizean Artists?

Lindy D: Well, Artists depends on the Dj’s depend on the Artists. So when we go out or do a show we are always sure to push Belize to the world because a lot of people just play music not knowing that they are promoting other cultures and not promoting themselves. So I work a lot with them, for example, in the Roots, Rock, Reggae show we will be featuring the best Belizean Reggae Artists along with the International Artists. So we have to work with the Belizean Artist or else we will just be paddlers following everybody.

Lindy stressed that young DJ’s shouldn’t run behind the money and stated that if you can use music to change someone’s life or help the community thenyou are doing a lot, by uplifting people, cheering them up and making them feel good.

Who did you look up to?

Lindy D: You have Mr. Banks who played at Ex-Service Men, you had Stone Jam, used to go to his shop. Also, there is DJ Dolla who helped my career a lot and I also got a lot of inspiration from people like Stone Love and Renaissance Sounds. For me it was more Sounds, rather than DJ’s that inspired me; for example, Belizean Movements and now our Sound, Federation 501. 

FWhen asked what was his personal musical choice? Lindy cleverly expresses the stages saying, “My primary school teacher in music was Bob Marley, my high school teacher was Sizzla and my University teacher in music right now is Midnite.” Proving his point that Roots Reggae music is his motivation in life.”

Any last words?

Lindy D: Have to give thanks to Jah every time for blessing me with my talent, thanks to my parents for introducing me to music, especially my mom for being my back bone. Thanks to the whole Federation 501 crew, Stylie, Don Julio, DJ Fiya…my bedrins fi life. Big up all the Belizean Dj’s and people like CrossFire, Gramma D, Courtesy and everyone keeping the Industry going.

If you have not already made plans to attend the 2^ND Annual Roots Rock Reggae Concert this Saturday March 5^th, then be sure to go check it out at the MCC tennis court. As Lindy expresses, although Belize is very much into the Dancehall thing, he is reminding us that Dancehall is not the only movement that exists and assures you that this concert is meant to have a nice, chill, “free up” vibes.  Check out the Flyer below for more information.

Was cool to see Art be the highlight of the day for Belize; I always feel like Belize is brimming with Artistic talent because of our cultures but it always manages to just lurk in the background, so it was good to see it at the forefront for once at the Belize Bliss Institute of Art Street Festival which was on Albert Street, Belize City yesterday. There was Belizean art, food, and entertainment galore; here is a snip from my visit.

This lady totally got me. As my friend said, “it’s funny that the person doing nothing was the one that got all the attention” but as Jackie Chan said, “doing nothing and being still are two very different things.”

 

Cool jewelry by TLC based in Orange Walk, check them out if you are in the area.

 

Fred Trejo and his wonderful works.

But this was definitely my favourite piece at the whole festival, it’s from Debra Wilkes Gray . You can catch her in Corozal at their monthly Art in the Park (the next being March 12th) or if you are in the City she will be featured in the upcoming “Women In Arts” projects for March at the Bliss.

These guys were apparently from Hattieville and were keeping things live; that guy was apparently their biggest fan.

 

And more.

So BZHypeMeter.com went down to Dangriga this week to check the Ilagulei sports bar and restaurant. You really can’t miss it; it practically welcomes you to Dangriga. Inside is spacious and classy with room to breathe, great design and the necessary flat screen tv’s to top off the trendy sports bar ambience. The club is re-launching and starting off with a banging line up which includes Punta Rebels (with Supa G), Linda Blease, Mr. Hype Alfrain Supal and more. Definitely a can’t miss event if you are in the area and if you aren’t, you need to get there.

Also, look for future events at Ilagulei featuring BZHypeMeter and friends coming soon.