According to Felix Okabe, one of the first live band musicians who forged an era of a distinct “cha-cha” music that has literally and significantly influenced the nightlife of Palau; and has since become an intricate component of many of the country’s celebrated cultural practices, the musicians who went to visit Beltau wanted to pay tribute to a gifted man who had “brought life to parties and celebrations for more than 40 years” and yet, has not been duly recognized.
Beltau, who will turn 60 on January 3, 2010, is a self-taught musician. He began playing in a band at 16 and did not stop until about a few years ago when he suffered a mild stroke that nearly crippled him.
“The stroke may have barred him from singing and playing in bands at parties and other cultural functions; and is one of the major reasons why he has retreated to Chol,” Okabe said. “But it failed to wound his spirit and his music continues to move people.”
The musicians who visited Beltau last Saturday brought their instruments and set up a live concert in which Beltau sang a number of songs.
“He would probably be a millionaire and would have received a multitude of MTV awards and possibly a lifetime award for his contributions to the development of entertainment in Palau,” said Okabe. “But then again, we live in a society that dearly appreciates the music and that, as many of us would agree, is all that counts.”
The musicians, many of whom have become household names, included Wilbur, Stafford, Luis, Alvino, Felix, Kostang, Alex, Malo, Tamara, Winhart, Remeliik. Edwin, and John Mark. They and an entourage of people rocked Chol last Saturday.
According to Okabe, the visit was further livened up when Senator Tommy Remegnesau, Jr. and his family discreetly contributed to the celebration.
“I think we made Sikich’s day,” Okabe said. “We are very grateful for all the people who contributed to make his day memorable.”
The visit that musicians made to Chol last Saturday probably marks the first time that sought after singers get together with ordinary people to celebrate a man whose voice has touched so many and continues to resonate.
