Paul Nabor is the greatest living Paranda artist. He is not only considered a musical legend among the Garifuna, he is also the "Buyei" (religious leader of his community). Sadly, he is also the last living Parandero in Punta Gorda. Punta Gorda (locals call it PG) is a small coastal village is southern Belize.
With mountains to the west, and the Caribbean sea to the east, there is only one dirt road to PG: A long bumpy 5 hour drive from the center of the country. At 70, Nabor still spends many of his days at sea fishing, evenings playing his guitar, all while working as spiritual leader for his community. He often talks about how life has changed for the Garifuna. "Growing up, we got all we needed from the earth. We fished, we farmed. We picked coconuts, made our own instruments. Occasionally we'd trade for new clothes. That was it. After the introduction of 'money' things changed. People now feel that they need 'more and more stuff, things'. More and more Garifuna keep moving to the cities where they are unhappy since they've lost touch with the land."
Paul Nabor is no longer in good health, though he continues to work a full schedule of fishing, playing guitar, and leading his congregation. Nabor wrote the moving, "Naguya Nei" when his sister was on her deathbed. She had asked to be remembered in song at her funeral. The song has become almost an anthem in Punta Gorda. Nabor has expressed that he would like the funeral procession to sing this song at his burial as well.
Paul, thank you so much for a an amazing performance yesterday at Stern Grove in San Francisco. Thanks for making the long trip and for sharing your heart and soul with us.
ii CAN SAY ii LOVE YOU iiN 20 DiiFFERENT LANGUAGES!!! NOW SEND THiiS TO THE 20 PEOPLE THAT YOU LOVE THE MOST!!! iiF YOU GET THiiS BACK 10 TiiMES THAT MEANS YOU ARE TRULY LOVED
Hey grandpa its your grand daughter Karina. U know I'm showin' u a whole lot of luv and I know u do the same for me. I love u very much. To let u know that my mother (your daughter) is gettin' married which u know. I hope that we get to hear from u before this day i love u and we all love u. Take care.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE ADD. I AM HONORED TO HAVE MET YOU AND TO TAKE A FEW PIC'S WITH YOU. I TRULY APPRECIATE YOU AND YOUR MUSIC. I CAN TELL THAT IT COMES FROM DEEP WITHIN. YOU ARE A LEGEND. MY BLESSINGS ARE WITH YOU ALWAYS. VICTOR ESTRADA III.
Mr Nabor:Thank you very much for adding me to your friends list .
I am fascinated by the Paranda music.
Wishing you the best of good health,
with great respect ,Piedad.
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