I bet you’ve heard of DJ Ana and Ultra Simmo. They are a dynamic musical combination of selector and microphone man and they have taken the world by storm. Based in Trinidad and Tobago, the pair are now coined ‘cultural ambassadors’, not for Trinidad and Tobago but, get this…. for Belize.
Belize’s carnivals, like others across the region, had been suspended for the past two years thanks to the pandemic, but last September, the festivities took place. Simmo and Ana were invited to be apart of the excitement between September 19 and 22. The festivities were reimagined with various festivals held in several locations across the country, including a new “San Pedro Soca Festival,” which featured a carnival street marching parade.
Hosted by Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nunez of the San Pedro City Council, DJ Ana and Ultra Simmo were the featured attractions for the country’s National Pre-Independence Day event on September 20, along with a carnival street march parade and after the party, held on September 21. These celebrations took place on the eve of the Soca Fete held on September 17, which also featured Soca Queen Destra Garcia and her band.
“It has been an honor for us to be able to represent the culture of Trinidad and Tobago to the people of Belize. We were kindly received and we are glad that the people there are so enthusiastic about soca and calypso music. A special thanks to Mayor Nunez, who believes in the strength of Caribbean music and performers, to be used as part of their tourism efforts,” said DJ Ana.
The widely traveled female DJ said together, she and Simmo have forged a new relationship with the people of San Pedro and Belize and will continue to develop it to benefit Trinidad and Tobago performers, helping to develop DJs of Belize. and artists in the coming years. “We will continue to represent Trinidad and Tobago on the world stage as it further promotes the richness of our people and culture,” said Ultra Simmo.
Over 8,000 locals and tourists attended the shows and accompanied the duo on stage with energy, chemistry and soca sets. Hundreds even lined up for a chance to meet and take photos with the musical duo.
