Aurelio Martínez

Aurelio Martínez Suazo (26 September 1969 – 17 March 2025), professionally known as Aurelio, was a Honduran singer-songwriter and politician. Known for his Garifuna music, he was considered a cultural ambassador of the Garifuna people. According to The Guardian, he became the leading Garifuna performer after the death of musician Andy Palacio. His album "Laru Beya" was considered among the best albums of Latin American music, according to Los 600 de Latinoamérica, a 2024 ranking made by Latin American music critics.

Life and career From 2006 to 2010, Martínez served as the first Afro-Honduran member of the National Congress of Honduras.

In 2021, a number of his songs were featured in the documentary about an excavation by the German Archaeological Institute at the coastline of Honduras accompanying an exhibition of the Rietberg Museum.

Discography

Solo records 2017: Darandi (Real World Records / Stonetree Records) Darandi DARANDI, by AURELIO 2014: Lándini (Real World Records / Stonetree Records) 2011: Laru Beya (Real World Records / Stonetree Records) 2004: Garifuna Soul (Stonetree Records) 1995: Songs of the Garifuna: Lita Ariran (JVC World Sounds)

Collaborations 2007: Wátina – Andy Palacio & The Garifuna Collective (Stonetree Records / Cumbancha) 1999: Paranda – Various Artists (Stonetree Records )