rakeandscrape

Rake and scrape is a traditional Belizean folk music style. The term, often written as rake-and-scrape, refers to the music and the associated dance tradition that developed in Belize’s Creole communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with influences from other Caribbean and Central American musical practices. The style is known for a lively tempo and a distinctive soundscape built around a piano accordion as the lead melodic instrument, a saw or other friction-based instrument providing a rasping scraping texture, and percussion driving the rhythm. Guitars and other acoustic instruments may appear in various lineups, but the accordion and saw remain central to the characteristic sound.

Performance and repertoire centers on call-and-response vocals and lyrics that address daily life, celebrations, and social themes. Dances accompany the music, with steps and movements reflecting local customs. The genre is commonly performed at community gatherings such as weddings, fiestas, and street dances, particularly in Belize’s towns and rural areas.

Origins and cultural role: The roots of rake and scrape lie in Belize’s late 19th and early 20th century communities, reflecting a blend of influences from African, Caribbean, and European musical traditions. It remains a living part of Belizean culture, continuing to be performed, taught, and enjoyed across generations. In recent decades, artists and bands have incorporated elements of rake and scrape into wider Belizean and regional music projects, helping to preserve the tradition while enabling new creative expressions.