Kolcha Tuesday: Belizean Music Aims Beyond Borders

Tonight, on Kolcha Tuesday, we’re tapping into the heartbeat of Belize, its music. From the roots of Punta and Brukdown to a new wave of artists blending Afro‑Caribbean, Latin, and urban sounds, the creative energy in Belize has never been stronger. The talent is here, the vibe is real, and the momentum is building. But the big question is this: How do we take Belizean music to the world, especially our Dancehall and Soca artists who are ready for that global stage? Well, producer Devin “DJ Perf” Peyrefitte is putting in the work. He’s in Belize City shooting a brand‑new music video with a team of rising artists, all pushing to elevate Belize’s sound. And as we found out, the conversation goes far beyond making a hit; it’s about management, identity, culture, and consistency. Here’s Paul Lopez with that report.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Belizean music has always carried the heartbeat of the nation, whether it’s the roots of Punta and Brukdown or the fresh wave of artists mixing Afro‑Caribbean rhythms with Latin and urban sounds. Talent today is undeniable, creativity is overflowing, and the energy in the music scene is higher than ever. But how does Belize take its music to the world, especially our Dancehall and Soca performers who are ready for that next level? Well, today Music Producer Devin “DJ Perf” Peyrefitte is taking a step in that direction, working with a group of artists in Belize City on a brand‑new music video.

 

Devin “DJ Perf” Peyrefitte, Music Producer

“I think we figured out certain aspects as to where we are trying to head as musicians with the goal, which is to really take Belizean music outside. I think the only thing is we reached a stop like what is next. A lot of artists reach a certain level in Belize but find it hard to go any bigger than that.”

 

For producers like DJ Perf, artists such as STIG and King Rome are proving that international listeners are curious about Belize’s sound. But their success also exposes a bigger issue: the talent is here, the pipeline isn’t. Jamaican music business consultant Lloyd Stanbury says that across the region, what’s really missing is solid management, support systems that can actually move artists to the next level.

Lloyd Stanbury, Music Business Consultant

“We don’t have enough person who can provide management services and other services like publicity, marketing, design.  People tend to look at the music industry as just the performers and the artist when there is are a whole lot of other professionals that support the creative to make it work. So, we have been weak in that area.”

 

But Stanbury says it’s not just about management. He argues Belize is culturally unique, blending both Caribbean and Latin American roots.

 

Lloyd Stanbury

“Which should be taken advantage of. That should be the emphasis in the development of the industry and not so much try to duplicate or follow what Jamaica has done. It is a totally different country.”

 

So how are Belizean artists setting themselves apart while still riding the wave of today’s popular rhythms? We asked Belizean Dancehall artist, Bernard “Unlmtd” Cayetano.

 

Bernard “Unlmtd” Cayetano, Belizean Artist

“Well first of all I just keep it “Unlmtd”. I just keep it as myself. I write about what I see. I write about right now. I don’t try to façade or add nothing to it. What is happening right now is what I right about. What I see is what I choose to compose about.”

 

Unlmtd and others say their Belizean identity comes through naturally, they write from the life they know. But a conversation about taking the music industry to the next level cannot be had without discussing finances.

 

Lloyd Stanbury

“Funding is an issue throughout and when you are talking about cultural industries, development, I think the state needs to realize that it has an important role to play in incubators and services that will assist individuals in developing their business. A lot of governments are strapped for cash when it comes to cash and they have other priorities. But if your culture is important or as important as you say it is, then you should invest in it.”

 

Can creating music pay the bills?

 

Bernard “Unlmtd” Cayetano

“I believe we need unity more. We need to understand each other, to push together. They have a lot of festivals happening in the Caribbean. I believe Belizeans need to get on it, train our artist, work on our artist and put them in a position where they could represent the country.”

DJ Perf argues it takes more than funding. Artists must stay consistent and keep releasing strong work for their audience.

 

Devin “DJ Perf” Peyrefitte

“I could tell you if I am an artist and I have a song that makes a hundred U.S. a month. Imagine I have ten of that. Imagine I am consistency and in the span of a year I drop three videos, in the span of two years I will have six, seven videos and each one of those songs make a hundred U.S a month and it adds up. So, you can make money off it. Consistency is what they miss.”

 

And as Belizean artists continue to refine their sound and test global markets, industry experts agree that sustained investment, structure, and consistency will determine whether Belize’s music can truly break beyond its borders. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.