Unplugged:
Lugua & The Larubeya Drummers
Punta

Lugua Centeno is a Garifuna vocalist and percussionist who hails from Triunfo de la Cruz, a Garifuna coastal village in Honduras. His musical pedigree runs deep -- his father was a much-sought-after parandero and his mother a composer of songs in the Punta style.

Ten years ago, in a gritty Belize City ghetto dubbed "Little Honduras," Centeno and a group of percussionists came together to perform completely unplugged Punta compositions. Lugua and the Larubeya Drummers play locally at funeral wakes, baptisms and clubs and internationally with the Garifuna All Star Band.

Listen: "Ayahan Eigabu" ("They Are Eating You")
This song is composed in the traditional Punta style and features an interplay of male and female vocals, locomotive drumming, and folksy lyrics. The lyrics recall a mother's sage advice to be aware of false friends and hypocrites. "Ayahan Eigabu" appears on the album Bumari (Stonetree Records, 2000).

Lyrics reprinted with permission from Stonetree Records
Lyrics translated by Andy Palacio

Mama told me yes, yes.

Because I have stumbled in my travels
I have been attacked by wasps
Mama told me yes, yes.

Watch your behavior among Garifuna people, My Son
Be careful with your behavior among Garifuna people, My Son
Because Garifuna people, My Son,
They pretend to be your friends but devour you secretly.

Oh Mama, I have forgotten your voice
Because Garifuna people, My Son,
They pretend to be your friends but devour you secretly.

• Paul Nabor
• Andy Palacio
• Lugua Centeno

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