Biography
Aurelio Martínez Suazo (26 September 1969 – 17 March 2025) was a Honduran singer-songwriter, guitarist, and cultural ambassador of the Garifuna people. Born in the small Caribbean village of Plaplaya, Honduras, Aurelio grew up immersed in Garifuna musical traditions, learning from his father—a local troubadour who improvised paranda songs—and his musically gifted mother. He began performing at Garifuna ceremonies as a child and by age 14 had become a respected musician with deep knowledge of Garifuna rhythms, rituals, and songs. At age 15, he struck out to find professional work as a musician, eventually settling in La Ceiba where he formed his first group, Lita Ariran, one of the first Garifuna traditional music and dance ensembles to gain international recognition, particularly in Japan.
Throughout his career, Aurelio became recognized as the greatest living interpreter of paranda music, a genre often compared to the blues for its bittersweet melodies and sharp social commentary. He initially gained popularity performing punta rock with his band Aurelio y Los Bravos del Caribe, scoring national hits including "Pompis con pompis." However, his artistic vision evolved toward preserving and elevating traditional paranda music. His 2004 solo album "Garifuna Soul" marked a turning point, establishing him as a serious tradition-bearer. His 2007 participation in the album "Watina" with Andy Palacio and The Garifuna Collective earned the prestigious WOMEX Award and was later declared the Greatest World Music Album of All Times by Amazon.com in 2010. His 2017 compilation album "Darandi" (Garifuna for "thirty") celebrated three decades of paranda composition and performance.
Beyond music, Aurelio made significant cultural and political contributions. In 2005, he became the first Afro-Honduran elected to the National Congress, advocating for Garifuna rights and visibility. He performed at the world's most prestigious stages, including a historic NPR Music Tiny Desk performance as the first Honduran artist featured in the series. His work was recognized internationally through the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, where he collaborated with legendary musician Youssou N'Dour, and a 2022 Mellon Fellowship at New York University. His album "Laru Beya" was ranked among the best albums of Latin American music by Los 600 de Latinoamérica in 2024. Aurelio passed away on 17 March 2025, leaving behind an immense legacy as a guardian of Garifuna heritage and a bridge between generations.
Fun Facts
- Aurelio was permitted to perform at sacred Garifuna ceremonies as a child, an unusual honor since children were typically not allowed at these most sacred events.
- His early band Lita Ariran was one of the first Garifuna traditional music and dance groups to appear on the international scene, gaining particular recognition in Japan in the 1990s.
- He scored a national hit with the playfully titled song 'Pompis con pompis' ('Booty to Booty') while performing punta rock with Aurelio y Los Bravos del Caribe, demonstrating his showmanship and musical talent.
- Aurelio became the first Honduran artist to perform at NPR Music's prestigious Tiny Desk series, a significant recognition for Central American music on the global stage.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- His Father - Local troubadour who improvised paranda songs containing Garifuna roots rhythms and Latin sounds; primary musical influence during childhood (Traditional paranda repertoire) [1969-1980s]
- His Mother - Vocally gifted musician from whom Aurelio learned to sing and acquired many traditional songs (Traditional Garifuna vocal repertoire) [1969-1980s]
- Youssou N'Dour - Legendary musician and mentor through the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative (Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative collaboration) [2000s-2010s]
Key Collaborators
- Ivan Duran - Producer and long-time collaborator who helped Aurelio transition from punta rock to traditional paranda; introduced him to the world music circuit through Stonetree Records (Garifuna Soul (2004), Paranda: Africa in Central America (1999), Watina (2007)) [1997-2010s]
- Andy Palacio - Belizean musician and close friend with shared vision for Garifuna music's future; decades-long friendship and artistic partnership (Paranda: Africa in Central America (1999), Watina (2007)) [1997-2007]
- The Garifuna Collective - Collaborative group featuring Aurelio alongside Andy Palacio and other Garifuna artists (Watina (2007)) [2007]
- Paul Nabor (Nabi) - King of Paranda; collaborated on paranda project and later honored in Aurelio's work (Paranda: Africa in Central America (1999)) [1997-1999]
- Akira Tomita - Producer of Aurelio's first album with Japanese company JVC World Sounds (Grupo Garifuna de Honduras, Lita Ariran (1995)) [1995]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lándini | 2015-05-01 | Album |
| Straight from the Decks, Vol. 2 (Guts Finest Selection from His Famous DJ Sets) | 2021-04-02 | Album |
| Garifuna Soul | 2004 | Album |
| Darandi | 2017-01-20 | Album |
| Laru Beya | 2011-01-18 | Album |
| Laru Beya | 2010 | Album |
| Aurelio Y Sus Interpretaciones | 2017-03-03 | Album |
| Darandi | 2017-01-20 | Album |
| Lándini | 2015-05-01 | Album |
| Lándini | 2014-09-15 | Album |
| Lándini | 2014-09-15 | Album |
| Cuentos Y Leyendas | 2014-01-01 | Album |
| 200 + 10 + 2 | 2014-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Nando (Lándini)
- Nafagua (Lándini)
- Lándini (Lándini)
- Dondo (Darandi)
- Yalifu (Garifuna Soul)
- Lubara Wanwa (Laru Beya)
- Santo Negro (Garifuna Soul)
- Lubara Wanwa (Laru Beya)
- Sañanaru (Lándini)
- Yalifu (Darandi)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Aurelio has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 27, 2025 | 23:03 | Laru Beyafrom Darandi | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady |