Aurelio Martínez, Honduran Musician and Cultural Advocate, Dies in Plane Crash

The celebrated Garifuna artist and former congressman passed away on March 17, 2025, with tributes honoring his global impact on music and heritage preservation.

• Aurelio Martínez, a prominent Honduran musician and champion of Garifuna culture, died in a plane crash near Roatán, Honduras, on March 17, 2025, alongside 12 others.
• Martínez was instrumental in bringing Garifuna music to international audiences, blending traditional sounds with African, Caribbean, and Latin influences.
• He was the first Afro-Honduran elected to the National Congress in 2005, where he advocated for the rights of the Garifuna people before returning to music after 2008.
• His acclaimed albums, including 'Garifuna Soul' (2004) and 'Lándini' (2014), earned him recognition as a cultural ambassador and innovator in world music.
• Tributes from figures like Peter Gabriel and cultural organizations highlight Martínez’s legacy as an artist, advocate, and voice for the Garifuna community.

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