7 News Belize

Nello Player Wins Patriotic Song Contest
posted (August 27, 2012)
Every year, the September Celebrations Season begins with the National Song Competition, where Belizean performers and composers vie for the prizes and the prestige.

On Saturday, this year's competition was held at MCC Grounds - a change in venue because the Memorial Park is still not ready - and it was broadcast live on this station.

But, for those of you who might have missed it, we caught up today with Nello Player, one of the winners, and he told us about the message behind his patriotic song.

Here's what he told us:

Nello Player, Artist
"The song is called "Celebrating Belize" and it's just as the songs says, it's our 31st year of Independence and we are celebrating our anniversary. We are celebrating Belize come September time, this is the season for celebration and I wrote the song with that in mind - there is always an element to the songs that I put out in September. We have an obligation as artists to reach out to our past."

"I met a teacher yesterday and she told me that she loves the songs but none of the kids knew what I was talking about. So this is a good opportunity for them to inquire about certain things they hear in the song to the teachers."

"It's a great feeling to come in first. Who doesn't want to come in first in a competition? I feel good about coming in first and I am grateful to all the people who were rallying for my victory - to all the supporters and to everybody who was behind me throughout this competition."

"Last year the difference in song - last year I wrote a song that was called "How can I leave" - pretty much touching on the topic; Belize is so great, Belize is our home and even further for those abroad just to remember home. This is celebrating Belize and so its recognizing our achievements and being a little more positive in the song saying that we should be more together as a people and celebrate our country and be proud of our country."

Nello Player was the winner of the Patriotic Song category. Second place was the late Leroy "Bass" Castillo, with his song "This is Belize", and third place was Patrick McPherson, with his piece, "A Song That We Sing".

In the Carnival Song Category, Sharon Martinez won with her song, "Freedom". Second Place was the artist, TR, with his song, "Raise the Flag", and third place was Mr. Program with his song, "Everybody Dance".

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