Aurelio Martinez

One of the most extraordinary and passionate Garifuna artists of his generation, Aurelio Martinez follows in the footsteps of the legendary Paranderos of the Caribbean coast of Central America to become the new voice of Paranda.

Acclaimed for both his preservation and modernization of this musical tradition, Aurelio's virtuosity is found in his distinctive, penetrating vocals and his talent as a composer.

Born in 1976 into a family possessing a long and distinguished musical tradition in the small Garifuna community of Plaplaya in Honduras, at the age of six, he was already playing drums at social gatherings and picking up his father's guitar as soon as he was big enough to hold it. Inspired by his grandmother and his father, Aurelio gathered a vast repertoire, which later enabled him to develop his playing and his own style.

Aurelio's collaboration with Stonetree Records dates back to 1997, when he contributed to the now famous Paranda recording sessions, delivering three masterful performances, including his well known composition "Africa" and an inspiring duet with Andy Palacio.

An original member of the Garifuna All Star Band, Aurelio has taken his Paranda music to stages in France, Japan, the USA, Mexico and neighboring Central American countries. —Courtesy Calabash Music