OLDIES SUNDAY: Garifuna Kids – Baila Baila (1993)

Closing off “Black History Month” on “Oldies Sunday“, we wanted to not only give you a past hit, but introduce to an audience something they haven’t heard before. While Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Reggaeton etc. are signature sounds from the Caribbean/Latin America, we wanted to share some Garifuna Music. The Afro-Indigenous people of Central America and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines introduced it with sounds originating from West Africa, then spread it to countries like Belize and Honduras, and was given the Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity title by UNSECO in 2001. Today, we highlight Belizean group the Garifuna Kids, and their track, “Baila Baila“.

Released through Rochez Brothers Entertainment in 1993, the Garifuna Kids brought great vibes and high energy with “Baila Baila”. The track drew inspiration from Punta Rock (a sub-genre of Garifuna Music), while the production was a mix of traditional Instruments, callbacks, and melodies that had everyone truly dancing. The track quickly caught on shortly after its release, and was featured on the group’s 1993 album of the same name. The country of Belize was home to many Garifuna musicians, and Garifuna Music was one of the sounds that empowered the people. The Garifuna Kids are still an active group, and continue to perform in Belize and other parts of the world, keeping the culture alive in the process. “Baila Baila” remains one of the group’s most memorable songs, and has been getting some recognition over the years on Social Media.