Marlyn Vansen Wins National Song Competition with Patriotic Anthem

Marlyn Vansen is the winner of this year’s National Song Competition. The festive event was held on Friday night at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts and brought together a talented group of Belizean artists. The eight finalists gave a spectacular performance and displayed high levels of patriotism and civic pride. In the end, Vansen was victorious with her original song, “B E L I Z E”, and walked away with the twenty thousand dollars grand prize. Vansen recently returned to performing after a battle with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease that affects the spine and brain. Last night, Vansen spoke about the journey after performing her song. 

Marlyn Vansen, National Song Competition 2023 Champion: “For those of you that don’t know, I was actually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis like two years ago. And even up to a couple months ago I was not really able to dance much less be up here on stage like this, you know? So that’s what I’ve been up to. Healing and, you know, appreciating life. Of course I want to say thank you to the band, Center Stage, they really had my back. The dancers, Afro Dance Company, my beautiful singers Nicole Craig and Denise Castillo, I definitely couldn’t have done this without them, you know, they definitely helped me put the show together and get it on the go. So thank you guys so much. And of course all my lovely supporters making noise for me here tonight.”

The annual contest is a part of the September celebrations held for the anniversary of Belize’s Independence.