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Summary

In 1982, singer Flora Baza Quan released the album "Flora Baza: The Queen of Chamorro Music." It was recorded, produced and mastered in Guam by the Charfauros Brothers. 8 of the 10 tracks were written by Tun Jesus “Chamorro” Charfauros, the remaining two were written by Flora and her sister Janice.

Flora Baza: The Queen of Chamorro Music

In 1982, singer Flora Baza Quan released the album “Flora Baza: The Queen of Chamorro Music.” It was recorded, produced and mastered in Guam by the Charfauros Brothers. 8 of the 10 tracks were written by Tun Jesus “Chamorro” Charfauros, the remaining two were written by Flora and her sister Janice.

Flora had been singing publicly since she was a child either solo or in groups. Growing up in Sinajåña she was part of a group called the Judettes, who took their name from the village patron saint, St. Jude. Later in high school she followed a cousin in joining a group called the Hi-Tones. At this time Flora sang popular English language/American songs, but in the late 1960s she began to receive more requests to sing CHamoru songs as well.

In 1973, she recorded two songs “I Puti’on” and “Puti Tai Nobio” that were featured on the first CHamoru language compilation album “Casamiento” produced by Johnny Sablan. Throughout the 1970s Flora and other female musicians such as Terry Quitugua Heston or Doll Quichocho from Gus and Doll were featured on album singing with the likes of Johnny Sablan, the Charfauros Brothers or the Delgado Brothers.

The release of Flora’s album in 1982 however was the first solo release by a CHamoru female musician.

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Spondylus shells

Spondylus shells

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