Dunbei Yurumein — Get to Know This Garifuna Musical Group

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Tags: Belizean CultureBunny MartinezcultureDhalia MirandaDunbei YurumeinGarifuna DancersGarifuna DrummersGarinaguKirk MartinezKyle RamirezSebastion NunezTriesha Arzu

The musical group, Dunbei Yurumein, has been performing at Hamanasi for over two years, providing guests a glimpse into the incredible culture of the Garinagu. The band formed over 10 years ago, and their name means “a touch of St. Vincent”. 

St. Vincent, located along the Lesser Antilles, is the birthplace of the Garifuna culture, a mix of West African and Arawak native Americans. A history rich in trials and triumphs created a musical culture equally rich in rhythm, tradition and story. Dunbei Yurumein, a tribute to the Garinagu origins, aspires to provide an interactive and informational experience for those who observe.

Kirk (left) and Rayton (right) teach guests to play the drums.  Photo: Nathan Barratt

When the group started ten years ago, there were three members, Kirk Martinez, Cho Cas, and Dan Man.   Over the years the group has changed and evolved and now includes 7 members, and several guest performers.

Meet the Band

Kirk Martinez is one of the founding members and plays the segundo drum. The segundo drum is the largest drum and has a wide diameter.  It creates a heavy bass sound and is essential for maintaining the pace and a consistent rhythm.

Rayton Martinez has been playing for Dunbei Yurumein for about four years.  He plays the smaller primero drum.  The primero drum has a smaller diameter, producing a higher pitch and responsible for the faster rhythms. 

Sebastian Nunez plays the ‘shakkas’ or maracas, which is a type of shaker made out of a gourd. He’s been with the band for four years and brings with him an abundance of energy. 

Bunny Martinez is the daughter of Dhalia and Kirk.  She had been dancing with the group for over 4 years.  Her favorite dance to perform is punta. 

Triesha Arzu is the newest member of Dunbei Yurumein. She is a dancer from Seine Bight Village and loves to dance punta and jankunu.

The youngest member of the band is Kyle Ramirez, only 16 years old.  He dances the jankunu, a masked dance typically performed during the holiday season. It is a fast dance that includes intricate steps and is full of symbolism. 

Dhalia Miranda has been managing the band for approximately four years.  For her, it is a family affair as her daughter, Bunny, and husband, Kirk, are members of the band.  She stated, “my first priority is always family” and her dedication shows in how she manages the band. 

The junkunu dance is traditionally performed during the holidays. The dancer wears an elaborate mask and shells strapped above their knees or ankles.  Photo: Dana Krauskopf

Dunbei Yurumein’s mission is to entertain as well as to teach the audience about Garifuna music.  Dhalia explains that what sets them apart from other groups is that they have a precise program highlighting five Garifuna rhythms.  These rhythms are the hüngü- hüngü, paranda, punta, gunjei, and jankunu. They believe they can best reach and teach peole if their show is interactive and fun.  Audience members are even invited to jump on the dance floor to learn a couple dance moves or practice a rhythm on the drums. 

Next time you are at Hamanasi, don’t be shy, jump up and participate in the show!

Guests learn about the 5 different rhythms during this interactive drumming lesson.
Photo: Nathan Barratt