NO REST FOR THE AWAKE - MINAGAHET CHAMORRO

  In June of last year, the Marianas lost one of its most influential musical pioneers with the passing of Tun Candido “Candy” Babauta Taman. Over the years, I had the honor and privilege of working with Tun Candy on several projects, conduct interviews of him and sometimes just sit and chat and listen to him tell stories. Each year, I usually got a call from him in late November or December, checking in with me and letting me know how he is doing. If he had some of his music or CDs to sell, he would also let me know that they would make great Christmas gifts. When he called in late 2022, I eagerly bought a copy of everything he was selling and gave them as gifts to different friends. Tun Candy was born to a CHamoru mother from Sumay, Guam and a Carolinian father from Saipan with roots in Chuuk. Across his life he worked to promote and develop a Marianas musical sound as well as cultural consciousness. Because of the way his roots, his heritage represented ...

Ever since I first began learning Chamoru my interest in Chamoru music has continually grown.  I grew up sometimes hearing Chamoru music, but couldn't understand it and didn't really connect with it.  But from the first time that I sat down with my grandmother at the dining room table and had her help me translate the CD "Chamorro Yu'" from Johnny Sablan, kinenne' yu'. I have been hooked.  To this end I have been collecting Chamoru music, whether in CD, cassette or vinyl form.  I've collected whatever I can from newspapers, magazines and scholarly sources related to Chamoru music.   I have also been fortunate enough to sit down with many musicians and talk to them about their experiences and why in a world where English dominates, they chose to record and release music in Chamoru. Last month I was very very luck, gof suettettette, to be able to pick up the album "Ai Saun Diroga" by Chamolinian II while searching for Chamoru music online.   Fr...