Legendary Garifuna artist Aurelio dies in plane crash in Honduras

Aurelio Martinez has died, one of at least 12 people who lost their lives on Monday 17 March when their small plane crashed into the Caribbean sea after taking off from the Honduran island of Roatan.

Aurelio was more than just a musician — he was a statesman, a spokesperson and vital saviour of the culture of the Garifuna people of Honduras.

A prodigy of percussion, Aurelio began performing at Garifuna ceremonies when just a boy, he grew into an innovative professional artist forming the Lita Ariran ensemble and became a mainstay of the La Ceiba music scene. Aurelio later served in Honduras’ national assembly as one of the first congressmen of African descent. He then left politics to return to music, subsequently touring the world, performing his own music, and paying tribute to the late Andy Palacio.

Aurelio Martinez (1969-2025)

Aurelio - Irawini (The Listen Project Documentary Series)

Aurelio and his musicians released three albums on Real World Records — Darandi, Lándini and Laru Beya. He recorded at Real World Studios and performed at various WOMAD Festivals. His loss will be felt beyond the Garifuna people to audiences worldwide who love and cherish Caribbean culture.

Featured release

Lándini

Aurelio

Released 14 September 2014

Aurelio credits his mother Maria with introducing him to the basics of Garifuna songcraft and she also provides the inspiration for this album. A collection of Garifuna songs, both new and old, passionately performed and filled with teasing humour be they meditations on relationships or chronicles of community life.

By Online Editor

Main image: Aurelio Martinez. Photo credit: Richard Holder

Published on Tue, 18 March 25

Legendary Garifuna artist Aurelio dies in plane crash in Honduras

Further reading