In the late 1970s, Penn Cayetano, a Garifuna artist, began to compose songs in the Garifuna language. He added the rhythm of the electric guitar to the traditional punta rhythm and created what is now known as punta-rock, the "rock" being the rhythm of the guitar. Cayetano's creation caught on quickly in Belize and from there spread to the other Central American countries. The Garifuna culture was being weakened at the time as young progressive Garifuna men and women looked more to an American style of existence and did not carry on the traditions as before. The popularity of punta-rock brought back to the surface an inherent Garifuna pride and probably, singlehandedly, is responsible for the resurgence of the culture. As the pride of the Garifuna was given a booster shot by punta rock, more artists began composing Garifuna songs to traditional Garifuna rhythms.
Punta-rock is now a viable world musicgenre. Punta-rock is the only music created by Central Americans and indigenous to the area. Punta-rock has become the official music of many Central American countries. When Banda Blanca of Honduras sold over 3 million copies of "sopa de caracol" or "conch soup", originally written by Chico Ramos, a Garifuna of Belize, celebrated their success. Punta-rock has grown since the early 1980s to include other electronic instruments such as the synthesizer and electric bass guitar as well as other percussive instruments. The lyrics are also being done in Spanish. The genre is continuing to develop a strong following in the United States, Europe, South America and even Asia. It is believed to be only a matter of time before the Central American immigrants in the United States do for punta-rock what Mexican immigrants of the west and south have done for Tejano music.
It is safe to say that PuntaRock was born in the late 70s in Belize through an experimental process led by Pen Cayetano and the Turtle Shell Band.
Punta Rebels, at the turn of the Millenium, were the undisputed monsters of PuntaRock.
It was clear that Punta Rebels were destined for PuntaRock royalty but the bands demise in the early 2000s paved the way for active solo careers for the flamboyant Supa G as well as the duo, Lloyd and Reckless.
Entertainment at its finest, from the heart and soul of the Caribbean with a touch of America.
Today she brings to her music the multi-cultural roots of her country -- a blend of African, Caribbean, and Latin rhythms, highlighting the PUNTAROCK sound from the Garifuna heritage of Southern Belize.
She is royally captivating; she is the Queen of PuntaRock-a sight for sore eyes to see, with a sound for aching ears to hear.
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