Belizean Legend Behind Super Furia Band Loses Cancer Battle  

If you don’t already know his name, you certainly know his music. Francisco Alcoser Senior, affectionately known as “Pancho,” cemented his place in history as one of Belize’s musical icons. Belizeans everywhere are mourning his passing. Pancho is best known as the founder of the Orange Walk-based Super Furia Band, a beloved group that has entertained generations with its vibrant mix of cumbia, soca, and punta. The sixty-year-old passed away the day after Christmas, following a courageous battle with colon cancer. Now, his family and fans are left to celebrate his remarkable life and continue spreading his passion for music across Belize.

 

Roxana Anderson, Franciso’s Daughter

“He started the music and the passion for music from before he was even born. Music was always in his bloodstream. I believe his grandparents used to play at the church choirs and etcetera. So that’s how he got really inspired. And then his brother had a bond which he played in and Lucio and the New Generation. And so he ever since he just said, you know what? This is what I want to do for the rest of my life. And from high school. I believe he was in the age of twelve. He started doing music and, that’s how he will always be remembered he always said music is life. He found happiness just seeing his children and family continuing his legacy that he has set a bar like way up high. So it’s it makes us even harder for us to try to keep up to him. But I do think that we had a really good teacher, because I always say that I learned to sing from him and it was hard learning to sing because at that point in time, I’m talking about twenty plus years ago. They had cassette players and to be rewinding and to be practicing a song. So my dad would sing the song for me and then I would have to write the lyrics from what he’s singing to me and learning from him. And I could, and I vividly remember too, with my brothers, he would stay hours and my brothers would be like, but my fingers are hurting, because it does take quite a lot of practice and so forth. But he’s you’re going to love it. You just got to break through and keep going.  And he was the biggest and motivator, and he always encouraged new artists. It started in summer and in July and he complained about a back pain and then so they said, the doctor said his kidney stones and then they did further more research and until they found out that he has colon cancer, so he started a couple of treatments in Mexico and anyone that’s going through cancer, they are true warriors because it’s nothing easy. After those treatments, they feel ill and they’re not themselves anymore. But I must say that because my father always put God first, I think that’s what gives him the strength that he needs. So every time after chemo, he’s smiling, he’s still listening to his music.”

 

Veronica Alcoser, Francisco’s Daughter-in-law

“For Christmas  Day, we were here the day before he dead. We were, speaking to him and we were listening to some cumbia because my mother-in-law, she wanted, okay, say, it’s Christmas, let’s have a little celebration in the living room. And he said, what are you guys listening? I want Belizean music.  And all of us were like, okay, put on the Belizean music. Okay. So right there, he was happy. And, I clearly remember that because he was speaking until two hours before his death. He told the guys do not cancel any job if something happens, you’ve got to do your job because you already have a compromise.”

 

Roxana Anderson

“This Sunday right here in Orange Walk number two Santa Famila Street, we’ll be hosting celebration victory for my dad because he has won a spot there in heaven. So he is a true champ. So it’s gonna be starting this Sunday. We’re inviting all Belizean bands and musicians to come, we’re gonna have a mega stage. Because we gotta do it big. Just the way he wants it.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.