Aurelio Martinez Honduran Singer-Songwriter and Politician Passes Away at 55
(September 26, 1969 – March 17, 2025)
Aurelio Martínez, the Honduran musician, activist, and one of the most celebrated voices of Garifuna music, has died at the age of 55. Martínez was among the victims of a tragic plane crash off the coast of Roatán, Honduras, on March 17, 2025.
Afropop Worldwide Memorial Video
Born on September 25, 1969, in Plaplaya, Honduras, Martínez was a trailblazer in preserving and promoting the rich musical heritage of the Garifuna people. His music, deeply rooted in Afro-Indigenous rhythms, fused traditional Garifuna sounds with contemporary influences, making him a vital figure in the global recognition of Central American music. Over the years, he became an international ambassador for his culture, performing on prestigious stages and recording under Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records label. His most acclaimed works include Lándini, Garifuna Soul, and Darandi, albums that encapsulate the vibrant and soulful essence of Garifuna music.
In addition to his musical legacy, Martínez also made history in politics, becoming the first Afro-Honduran elected to the National Congress of Honduras in 2005. His advocacy for the rights of the Garifuna people was a fundamental part of his career, both in politics and music. However, following the sudden passing of his close friend and collaborator Andy Palacio in 2008, Martínez returned to music full-time, dedicating himself to mentoring young Garifuna artists and preserving his culture through storytelling and song.
His influence extended far beyond his homeland. Throughout his career, Martínez performed worldwide, bringing Garifuna music to audiences in Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. In 2015, he recorded a Live on KEXP session, showcasing his talent and the depth of his cultural heritage to a global audience.
His untimely passing has left an immense void in the Garifuna community and the broader world of music. Martínez was signed to Real World Records, the label founded by British artist Peter Gabriel, who shared his condolences on social media: "I was very upset to learn of the death yesterday of Aurelio Martinez, one of our most popular @realworldrec artists, in a plane crash in the Caribbean. His music will, I am sure, live on with all its artistry, sensitivity and musicianship. The deep love he had for his own Garifuna people will always be remembered, but it is most of all his own generosity and warmth that will be badly missed by all of us who loved him at Real World and @womadfestival - pg”
Aurelio Martínez’s legacy will live on through the rhythms he helped preserve, the stories he told, and the cultural bridges he built. His voice, his spirit, and his unwavering commitment to his people will continue to resonate for generations to come.
COLLAB INFO
Wátina' with Andy Palacio & The Garifuna Collective (2007): Aurelio contributed to this influential album, which aimed to revitalize and promote Garifuna music on a global scale.
Paranda: Africa in Central America' (1999): Aurelio participated in this compilation featuring various Garifuna artists, highlighting the richness of Paranda music and its deep African roots.
Collaboration with Youssou N'Dour: Aurelio shared the stage with the renowned Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour, blending Garifuna rhythms with African sounds.
Discography
2017: Darandi (Real World Records / Stonetree Records)
2014: Lándini (Real World Records / Stonetree Records)
2011: Laru Beya (Real World Records / Stonetree Records)
2004: Garifuna Soul (Stonetree Records)
1995: Songs of the Garifuna: Lita Ariran (JVC World Sounds)