Several music and dance groups from Belize and other Central American countries performed at the Costa Maya Festival in San Pedro this past weekend.
The best surprise for me at the festival, other than the Belize Dance Company: Kese-Kese.
Kese-Kese is a percussion group from Mexico. Except: their clothes are African and so are their instruments.
Mid-performance, the main drummer paused to introduce the group to the audience. He explained, in Spanish, how Kese Kese’s music is African-inspired. Then, he went on to thank the African continent for its huge contribution to music, and for being a constant source of inspiration to the group. How cool is that?!
The highlight of Kese-Kese: their dancer. I have much respect for her – it takes some serious courage and talent to get up there and dance like an African. 
Lebawit Lily Girma
Lily Girma is a published Travel writer, Photographer and Guidebook author who has lived and studied in Africa, Europe and the Americas. In 2008, she left behind a prestigious law career to follow her passion. Her work has appeared in various outlets, including CNN Travel and BBC Travel, and her photography commissioned by tourism boards. Her first edition of "MOON BELIZE" travel guidebook is due for publication this Fall 2013 (10th edition, Moon Handbooks by Avalon Travel/Perseus Books). Lily's work reflects a deep love for culture and adventure in all its forms.
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7 Comments
Awesome trip to Belize, and your photos are exceptional. Waiting with great anticipation for more posts!!
Yaffa
wow!… wish I was there to see that… cool indeed… I’m sure they were impressive!
That’s fantastic! I’d never heard of this group. Do you know if there’s any place where we can learn more about them and their music? Love the photos!
@ Yaffa, thank you!! Will be sharing lots more, thanks for following!
@Marilyn, you would’ve loved them… I was mesmerized! In fact all these cultural groups were SO fantastic.
@Julie, thanks!! I hadn’t either, it was such a surprise, I think everyone in the audience was surprised actually! I wanted to talk to them but by time I got backstage they’d already changed and left!! (: I assumed I’d find them online but have not found even a website…I’ll see if I can find out from one of the festival organizers here.
Hello Lily! How are you?
My name is Rapo Green and I play with Kese Kese! : D your pictures are amazing! I love them! the dancer stolen camera! haha or not as we say in English haha
You do not have other pictures where you see the power of the drums? oh yeah! haha
Unfortunately we have no website but we remain connected by facebook. If you are offered something:
My facebook is http://www.facebook.com/rapo.green
or look for me as Rapo Green
Greetings and hope to return soon to San Pedro!
Rapo Green of Kese Kese
Hi Rapo! Thanks for getting in touch !
I will send you a message on FB. And oh yes I definitely have the power of the drum in my photos, I will be posting all photos from Costa Maya soon and will share some on your page as well. 
Keep playing that great African sound!! 
And we will continue rocking the afro power.
Many greetings!
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[...] thought there was no end to their talent when I watched this group at the Costa Maya Festival back in [...]