Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

Melonie Gillett's lyric video for Search for Me is out.  Definitely worth a watch.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEsMAxlBoM_/

"Search For Me Lyric Video by Melonie Gillett
Beat Producer: BeatsbyMantra
Mix/Master: Kendoyll Simpson
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/meloniegillett
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meloniegillett
Instagram: @meloniegillett
Copyright (C) 2020 Melonie Gillett."

The Belize International Film Festival was last week, and Yochi, a film shot totally in Cayo, won for Best Short Film.  Wings of Hope, a documentary made in Belize by Carol Foster, also won in its category.  34 films from 20 different countries were reviewed.  17 Belizean music videos were judged, and Melonie Gillett won for Soca Mode.

Yochi will be shown tonight at the Cayo Welcome Center.  

Melonie Gillett has released a new song, and it's entitled 'Soca Mode.' It's a fast moving, synth backed, soca that'll get you moving.  Well done, Melonie!  Dance away!

Melonie uploaded 8 songs to Soundcloud today.  They are from The Dreamer cd, which can be purchased on CD Baby.  Thanks Melonie, and great work.

"Melonie’s trajectory as a singer/songwriter reached a new plateau with the launch of 'The Dreamer'.  She has shared the stage with well-established international talent including Jamaica’s Konshens and Etana, as well as many top Belizean stars.  Melonie has dedicated her time and talent to causes such as HIV awareness, improving youth and education services, as well as the fight to eradicate cancer, for which she wrote the stunning single 'Be Her Breath'.  Melonie’s versatility and innovative spirit have definitely made her one to watch.  She is an award-winning artist whose music and videos shine with a level of creativity that makes her a true original, a star!"

Melonie Gillett has uploaded Lord Be Her Breath to Soundcloud for cancer month in honor of her aunt being a cancer survivor.  You can download it for free.  Beautifully sang.  Thanks, Melonie!

"In 2009, my aunt was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. She battled and survived for 2 years, defying the next day death certificate that the doctors had given her.  She was and still is a major part of me, and who I am as an artist.  I wrote this song for her and she did a picture video for it...just like she had done with so many of my performances and songs before.  Here you go....dedicated to Verna Gardiner Ewing and all those who batttle with cancer.  I will always love you, auntie!!"

The Univeristy of Belize had a Patriotic Day last week to celebrate Belize's independence.  They had poetry, a dress competition, and Melonie Gillett was there to sing too.

"Every year during the national September festivities, students, faculty and staff eagerly wait to participate in UB’s annual Patriotic Day celebrations to demonstrate their patriotism.  Guest Speaker at this year’s event was Mr. Inez Sanchez, a former Patriot and educator.  'Patriotism has been defined as an undying love for one’s country, and love of country for which one is prepared to die for if need be,' said Mr. Sanchez.  'Nurture love of country in yourself, by yourself and for yourself. That would be true patriotism.'"

Oceana had a celebratory concert for the permanent protection of the Belize reef.  The World Culture Band represented Cayo amidst the wide range of amazing Belizean artists that performed at the event.  The bill shows the true power of the people. 

"Oceana's Rock the Reef free concert took place at the Memorial Park on Saturday, December 9th, 2017. The concert was held to celebrate the collective leadership and persistent involvement of tens of thousands of Belizeans for more than seven years on the issue of offshore oil in Belize. Given Belize’s economic dependence on our marine assets, the passing of the Petroleum Operations Maritime Bill 2017, that places an indefinite moratorium on offshore oil in Belize’s marine territory, safeguards our diverse marine environment and the Belize Barrier Reef from the inherent dangers of offshore oil. The stellar lineup of artists included Tanya Carter, Melonie Gillett, Dajah, World Culture Band, C Wills backed up by the Larubeya Band, Verge of Umbra, and Supa G."

Cayo was represented well at Oceana's Rock the Vote yesterday at Memorial Park in Belize City.  It was a fantastic concert, and most of the well known Belizean artists came out and performed to support the cause of 'No Offshore Drilling.'

The Garifuna Collective, World Culture Band, Melonie Gillett, Jackie Castillo, Tanya Carter, TR Shine, and many others really rocked the house.  Nello Player, who won the Belize theme competition a few years back, has a new band, and they are incredible.

Thanks to all the amazing artists that took the time to play for this noble cause!

The National Institute for Culture and History has a creative promotional video out explaining what they are all about.  NICH is comprised of the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, the various Houses of Culture, the Museums of Belize, the Institute of Archaeology, and the Institute of Creative Arts.  You'll see fliers for all of the events happening this month for the Festival of Arts, which started on the 3rd, and runs through the 22nd.  It also features Tanya Carter and Melonie Gillett singing 'Low,' so it's definitely worth a watch.

In related news, the Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium is July 2nd through the 5th, and it'll be at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel.  The Belize Film Festival will be from July 11th through the 15th.

http://www.nichbelize.org/

https://www.facebook.com/NICHBZ