Aurelio Martinez
Belize to Garifuna legend: You are one of us!
by yasser musa
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 | Bliss Center for the Performing Arts | Belize City
Front – Kamao Palacio (son of Andy Palacio), Lugua Centeno, Kenrick Lewis “Luvlace,” and Newani Martinez (son of Aurelio) performing Watina (photo: Lito).
BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Mar. 27, 2025
A week of music tributes is being held in Belize for legendary musician Aurelio Martinez, who tragically passed away in a plane crash on March 17, 2025. The tribute began at the Bliss in Belize City on Tuesday, and will continue in Dangriga on Wednesday, and Punta Gorda on Friday.
At the Bliss tribute, Arreni Palacio, UNESCO representative in Belize, spoke in remembrance:
“We gather tonight to celebrate the enduring legacy of music icon Aurelio Martínez—a visionary artist whose deep bond with Andy Palacio and Paul Nabor led the Paranda movement, which began right here on this stage. Their music lives on as a timeless testament to our shared spirit and legacy. Before I leave, I have one request—please play one of my favorite songs by Aurelio, a powerful social commentary: Who will speak for the voiceless, the marginalized, and the vulnerable? His answer: ‘Au umalali lidan limaniga’—I will be that voice.”
Channel 7’s news director, Jules Vasquez, also paid tribute, telling the packed Bliss audience:
“While we grieve, we also celebrate. Aurelio was for the world, and though he was one of us—Garifuna, Centroamericano, Hondureno, Beliceno—we sometimes forget his global impact. His death has been noted by The Guardian, LA Times, Rolling Stone, NPR, and Pitchfork, among others. He was the only Central American artist to receive such global recognition.
“Aurelio was also a worker, dedicated and loyal. He knew his role in the ‘cultural project,’ the lineage he represented, and the torch he carried—from Paul, to Andy, to him. Beyond his cultural impact, he gave something to humanity as a whole.”
Garifuna icon Roy Cayetano shared words of sorrow and hope:
“LAMISELU is a terrible calamity that shakes your world. But we must remember, the music must not stop. On the contrary, we must continue to sing and dance as Aurelio did, as a way to cope with Lamiselu.”
One of the highlights of the night was 19-year-old Newani Martinez, Aurelio’s son, who performed his father’s songs like “Lándini”, “Tio Sam”, and “Yalifu”. With a star-studded lineup of musicians, Newani lit up the crowd and the live stream. His collective included: Austin Aranda, Lloyd Augustine, “Bal T” Baltasar, Desiree Diego, Ivan Duran, Daton Castillo, Jr., Rhodel Castillo, Lugua Centeno, Dayaan Ellis, Jr., Dayaan “Nuru” Ellis, Denmark Flores, Mohobob Flores, Reckless Flores, Sam Harris, Tyrone Knight, Kenrick “Luvlace” Lewis, Henry Migz, Al Ovando, Kamao Palacio, Robert “Ragga” Palacio, Carlos Perrote, Sheldon Petillo, Ivan ‘Sougida’ Solano, Emilio Thomas, Marcela “Chela” Torres.
In Roy Cayetano’s words: “This is how our ancestors survived. Lamiselu can bring new life. Just look at Newani—Aurelio’s son. Watch him bloom. We will be okay.”