Brad Pattico’s Kohn Mek Wi Sing Songs Of Belize – A Slice of Belizean Soul
If you’re into music that feels like a warm hug from someplace far away, Brad Pattico’s Kohn Mek Wi Sing Songs Of Belize is the kind of album you wanna throw on when you need something real. Released back in 2001 under Belize Family Entertainment, this gem dives deep into Folk, World, and Country vibes with a Belizean twist. It’s not perfect—heck, it doesn’t even try to be—but that’s what makes it so dang charming.
Let me break it down for ya. The tracklist reads like a love letter to Belize: “Trooly Tros Hihn,” “The Burrell Boom Song,” “Rise An Beanz,” and more. There’s just something about how these songs feel lived-in, like they’ve been passed down through generations at cookouts or late-night storytelling sessions. Two tracks stuck out to me big time: “The Burrell Boom Song” and “Shine Yaiy Gyal.”
First up, “The Burrell Boom Song.” Man, this one’s got a rhythm that sneaks up on ya. At first listen, I thought it was gonna be another laid-back folk tune, but then the beat kicks in, and BAM—it’s impossible not to tap your foot. It’s playful, kinda cheeky even, and I could totally picture folks dancing barefoot in the sand to this jam. Plus, the lyrics? Pure Belizean pride wrapped in melody. You don’t gotta understand every word to get the vibe; it’s all heart.
Then there’s “ Shine Yaiy Gyal,” which hits different. This one slows things down and lets the soul shine through (pun intended). It’s smooth as heck, with vocals that feel like honey drizzled over grits. What gets me is how simple yet powerful the message feels—it’s basically an anthem for lifting spirits and reminding people to keep their heads high. Every time I hear it, I catch myself nodding along like, “Yeah, girl, you DO shine!”
One thing I dig about this album is how unpolished it feels. Like, you can tell Brad wasn’t trying to make some slick international hit—he just wanted to share his corner of the world. And honestly? That rawness is refreshing. Tracks like “Chaa Mi Bot Noh Tayr Mi” and “Graama Graama” have this cozy, homegrown energy that reminds you music isn’t always about perfection. Sometimes it’s about connection—and boy, does this album connect.
Now here’s the kicker: listening to Kohn Mek Wi Sing Songs Of Belize made me realize how much we miss out on when we stick to mainstream playlists. Sure, pop bangers are fun, but albums like this? They’re like secret doors to cultures most of us never knew existed. Who woulda thought Belize had such fire?
So yeah, give this one a spin if you’re tired of the same old stuff. Just don’t blame me if you end up booking a flight to Belize after hearing it. Trust me, I almost did.
