Aurelio Martínez Suazo, a renowned Honduran musician and cultural ambassador of the Garifuna community, passed away on March 17, 2025, in a plane crash near Roatán, Honduras. Roatán, a Caribbean island, is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
Martínez was widely recognized as one of the most influential performers of Garifuna music. He was a master of parranda, a guitar-driven musical tradition known for its soulful melodies and socially conscious lyrics, often likened to American blues. Over his three-decade career, he dedicated himself to preserving and promoting Garifuna heritage through music, combining storytelling with the seductive rhythms of his culture.
Through albums such as Garifuna Soul, Laru Beya, Lándini, and Darandi, Martínez brought international attention to Garifuna music, elevating its profile while advocating for his community. His work not only celebrated the richness of Garifuna traditions but also reinforced their cultural significance on a global stage.
More about Aurelio Martínez.
(headline image: Aurelio Martínez playing guitar live in Norway – Photo by Angel Romero, 2010)
Author: World Music Central News Room
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