Aurelio Martínez (1969-2025)

<p>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. </p> <p>He died in a plane crash, about which, few details are yet known. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/world/americas/honduras-plane-crash-roatan.html">This</a> is the New York Times notice about the crash. <br></p> <p>In April, <em>Afropop Worldwide</em> will air a tribute to another late Garifuna star, Andy Palacio. The program includes exclusive recordings of Aurelio singing and playing acoustic guitar. </p> <p>We send our condolences to Aurelio's family, his musicians and all who loved him as we do.</p>