Aurelio Martínez’s Garifuna Songbook

Aurelio Martínez invites the audience into the rich cultural legacy of the Garifuna people through song and story.

I feel compelled to share a narrative that traverses continents and decades; a tale where every musical note vibrates with the history, joy, and enduring resilience of the Garifuna people. My songbook concert seeks to transcend borders, resonate with the rhythmic pulse of Africa and the Caribbean, our ancestral homes. This book is my offering, a testament to the tenacity cultivated through pain, a hymn for a people who have weathered the storms of exclusion and displacement. In this lyrical journey, Africa and the Caribbean are not mere distant memories; they are the latent rhythm underlying each melody, connecting us with a heritage that spans oceans and centuries, reminding us of the ship that brought us to America and the genocide that followed.

The melodies are not simple compositions; they are bridges that connect the land we left behind with the shores of new beginnings. The beach, a symbol of memories and promises, bears the weight of our past and the hope of our future. Family, an unbreakable cornerstone of Garifuna culture, stands alongside equality and inclusion. In every chord, in every refrain, music becomes a defiant response to the margins, a celebration of an identity rooted in the diaspora. My compositions unfold like an elegy to the land, resonating with the anguish of climate change and the ever-changing landscapes that reflect the development of our community. As the world faces environmental challenges, these songs carry a collective plea for the preservation of cultural heritage and the planet that sustains it. In these musical narratives, I invite you to explore the soul of the Garifuna people. 

This songbook concert is not just a collection of notes; it is a living chronicle, a resilient spirit rooted in Africa that flourishes despite adversity. As I write this, it is impossible to deny the decline in the number of Garifuna speakers worldwide with each passing year. Despite being recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, this phenomenon represents a setback in the flourishing of Garifuna culture. Nonetheless, I trust that this songbook, like my lyrics, will add to the vast amalgam of intellectual contributions made to the world from the distinguished Garifuna Nation.

With love, Aurelio

Who is Aurelio Martínez?

Aurelio Martínez is a renowned Garifuna musician, singer-songwriter, and cultural ambassador. Born in Honduras, he is one of the foremost voices of the Garifuna people, descendants of African and Indigenous Arawak communities. Aurelio’s music connects listeners to his roots while addressing themes of migration, identity, and resilience. Over his career, he has worked to preserve and share Garifuna traditions globally, earning recognition from organizations like UNESCO.

Where Does the Music Come From?

Aurelio’s music is deeply connected to the experiences of the Garifuna people. It celebrates their African ancestry, Indigenous heritage, and long-standing presence along Central America’s Caribbean coast. His songs often feature traditional Garifuna rhythms and reflect the people’s connection to the sea, the land, and each other.

Who Are the Garifuna People?

The Garifuna people are descendants of enslaved Africans who were brought to the island of Saint Vincent, known as “Yurumein,” in the 1600s and Indigenous Arawak people. After being exiled by British colonizers in 1797, they spread along the coast of Central America, establishing communities in Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Known for their vibrant culture, the Garifuna have a unique language, dance, and musical tradition recognized as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Instruments in the show

Each instrument serves a symbolic and cultural purpose, connecting Garifuna communities to their African and Indigenous roots while embodying their connection to the natural world.

Guitar: The concert will feature Aurelio on acoustic guitar and Tony on electric lead guitar. Aurelio will share the story of how he made his own guitars as a child from cans, sticks, and fishing line.

Primero Drum: The smaller, higher-pitched drum used for improvisational rhythms. It guides the dancers and creates the energetic, complex rhythms that drive Garifuna music.

Segunda Drum: The larger, lower-pitched drum that provides a steady beat, grounding the music and creating a deep, resonant sound.

Maracas: These add rhythmic texture and enhance the storytelling aspects of Garifuna music.

Conga Drums: Aurelio will also perform on the conga drums. In many ways the drum represents the link between Africa and the Caribbean as it was developed by Cuban people of African descent during the late 19th century or early 20th century. Its direct ancestors are thought to be the yuka and makuta (of Bantu origin) and the bembé drums (of Yoruba origin).

Activities for the Audience

Learn a Garifuna Dance: Teach basic steps to a Garifuna dance, emphasizing rhythm and movement to the beat of the primero and segunda drums. This could help the audience feel the music and connect with Garifuna traditions.

Themes in Garifuna Songs

Spirituality and Ancestry: Songs like “Africa” reflect a longing for ancestral connection and pride in African heritage.

Identity and Resistance: “Lumálali Limaniga” (Song of Protest) emphasizes resilience against historical and cultural challenges, highlighting Garifuna strength.

Love and the Sea: “Laru Beya” (The Beach) uses the coastline as a metaphor for love, nostalgia, and the Garifuna’s deep connection to the sea.

Community and Migration: Songs such as “Rubadan” recount the Garifuna journey across the Caribbean, symbolizing community resilience in the face of adversity.

Additional information for presenters:

Target Audience
The program is adaptable for all age groups. For younger children and families, performances emphasize group participation, including dance, sing-alongs, basic Garifuna language, and storytelling. For older children and adults, the focus shifts to Garifuna history, culture, and Aurelio’s songwriting process.

Staging and Backline Needs
Full backline and technical requirements for the 6-person group are available here.

Visuals
Aurelio offers beautiful photos of Honduras and illustrations to accompany the concert. These visuals are optional and depend on the venue's technical capabilities.

Number of Performers on Stage
The full band consists of six members. A smaller configuration can be arranged if needed.

Length of Program
The program is typically 45 minutes but can be adapted to fit the venue’s needs.

Program Outline
Aurelio introduces each song with a story or activity, sharing his experiences growing up in the small Caribbean village of Plaplaya and later touring as a cultural ambassador for the Garifuna people. The program includes opportunities for Garifuna dance, sing-alongs, and storytelling. If desired, time can be reserved at the end for a Q&A session.