Punta rock is unique in that it simultaneously represents a musical genre, a country (Belize), and a cultural group (the Garifuna of Central America). At the same time, the beat and dance that accompany it have universal appeal, and punta rock has spread across cultural lines, not just among the Garifuna diaspora in the United States and other countries.
The Garifuna, formerly known as the Garinagu, are a mix of Carib, native Arawak, and African people. They are thought to have originated on the island of Saint Vincent through intermarriage between Arawaks and Caribs, then spread throughout coastal Central America and the Lesser Antilles, where they mixed with West Africans brought to the New World as slaves. Belize, a former British colony, is where the Garifuna are most closely associated.
Punta music has always been a lively gumbo of creole rhythms and heavy African percussion, owing to its diverse roots. This musical form arose in the late 1970s, when a schism emerged between traditional Garafuna music and young Belizian musicians who only spoke English.
Pen Cayetano is credited with bridging that gap by incorporating guitars into the punta mix. Andy Palacio, another Belizean, then refined and embellished the mix, making it even more electrified and animated.
Punta rock is known for its sexual energy, and its trademark dance is known for its vigorous hip shaking. Individuals who are gyrating share the dance floor with couples at punta rock concerts.
The beat and music seem to take precedence over the lyrics, which are frequently spoken repetitions of a single word or phrase in Kriol or Garifuna. At the same time, Palacio’s final album, “Watina,” wove a more mellow pop sound in between the livelier cuts and took punta rock in yet another direction (he died of a stroke on January 19, 2008).
Punta rock is likely to appeal to fans of reggae and calypso music. However, if you want to do the classic punta dance, it’s a good idea to have a chiropractor on speed dial.