“Belize Musicians Past and Present” celebrates its 13th year on KREM Radio tonight. The show debuted on February 2, 1995, with the first guests appearing a week later.
What was it like when the show first started? We asked co-host and technician, JC Arzu.
He recollected that they played music predominantly from cassette tapes and records. Kenny Morgan brought his entire basket of LP’s when he appeared on the show, and CD’s, which are now commonplace, were the hot new invention back then, he recalled.
Belize Musicians Past and Present was the newest show at the time, and the hosts believe that it was very necessary, because even though disc jockeys like JC were playing Belizean music, there was no discussion time dedicated to music and musicians.
The show is in a class by itself, and its longevity gives it more class, said JC, adding that the KREM Radio show has inspired the creation of a new entity – the Association for Belizean Artists First (ABAF).
The show has deep roots, coming out of the tradition of UBAD – the United Black Association for Development, which spawned Amandala, which gave birth to KREM Radio, which gave birth to Belize Musicians Past and Present, and which, in turn, gave birth to the ABAF.
Hosts Tony Wright and JC Arzu recall that Glenn Tillett, former Amandala editor, used to write about artists in the newspaper. They started to encourage artists to produce, because they had two outlets to promote their work – the Amandala and JC’s music slot. But talk time on the radio was limited, and realizing the need for more airtime to discuss the music and the industry, they later developed Belize Musicians Past and Present.
Today, it is said to be the only show of its kind on our airwaves, where artists can tell the story behind their music.
They celebrate the 13th anniversary tonight with a cake made by Sister Erna Jose and a few quarts of blackberry wine. As usual, there are special giveaways, and Anthony C – former Radio Belize DJ – along with Raymond James – a private dancehall DJ – are on tonight’s bill.
The team is celebrating their anniversary early, since there will be no show next week because of the general election.
Over the years the show has stirred a lot of attention from artists at home and abroad, Wright said.
“I really enjoy the Thursday night show. I think the show plays a positive role for the artist. I think we are doing our share for not only playing Belizean music, but also promoting the artists… Over the years the artists get the feeling of what we are doing. At this stage now I think the artist isn’t happy if he or she does not appear on Belize Musicians Past and Present,” said Wright.
A highlight of this anniversary is that JC Arzu is being presented with a special award for bringing back Belizean music on the airwaves. Wright said he is presenting the award on behalf of ABAF because he believes that Arzu’s contribution has gone under-appreciated.