Blog March 18, 2025
Aurelio Martínez (1969-2025)

It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely death of superstar Garifuna musician Aurelio Martínez of Honduras. A brilliant composer, singer and bandleader, a champion of the Garifuna people, a one-time politician, and a dear friend of our program, Aurelio was one of the best.

He died in a plane crash, about which, few details are yet known. This is the New York Times notice about the crash.

In April, Afropop Worldwide will air a tribute to another late Garifuna star, Andy Palacio. The program includes exclusive recordings of Aurelio singing and playing acoustic guitar.

We send our condolences to Aurelio's family, his musicians and all who loved him as we do.


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