Posted: Friday, August 29, 2025. 8:22 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and the National Celebrations Commissions honored Derrick Straughan with the Andy Palacio award for original Belizean music.
Jazz Sax Maestro & Visionary Band Leader of Bamiki Bandula.
He returned to Belize in 1980 with a transformative ambition—shifting the local music culture from covers to original compositions steeped in national identity.
Formation of Bamiki Bandula: Straughan recruited top talent from two of the island’s premier ensembles—the Harmonettes and the Vibrations—to form Bamiki Bandula. His leadership is known for its disciplined focus and high standards, elevating musicianship and creative output.
He pioneered a uniquely Belizean original sound, blending jazz techniques with local rhythms and styles, influencing the nation’s musical evolution and leaving an enduring mark on subsequent generations.
“Dickey Straughan is more than a sax player—he is a cultural architect, teacher, and innovator. By championing original music and professional rigor, he helped shape modern Belizean performance and composition,” NICH noted.
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The post Derrick Straughan honored with Andy Palacio award for original Belizean music appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, August 29, 2025. 8:22 am CST. By Zoila Palma: The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and the National Celebrations Commissions honored Derrick
The post Derrick Straughan honored with Andy Palacio award for original Belizean music appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
