Today, December 2, marks the birthday of Andy Palacio, a cultural icon of Belize who sadly died nearly three years ago. At the time of his death, nearly three years ago, Andy Palacio was the Deputy Administrator of the National Institute of Culture and History, Belize’s Cultural Ambassador, UNESCO Artist for Peace and the leading light behind the Belizean album Wátina that made it to the top of the European World Music Charts, a feat that was unprecedented for Belize. Andy’s role in taking Belizean music and culture to the world stage was likewise unprecedented. Belize still mourns his passing and it is fitting that we remember him on what would have been his 50th birthday.
To commemorate Andy Palacio’s birthday, Stonetree Records and the Garifuna Collective in collaboration with the Andy Palacio Foundation is releasing to the public a tribute song composed by Lloyd Augustine, arranged and performed by The Garifuna Collective.
Please click here to listen:
Belize Weeps Yet Again
(To download go to www.stonetreerecords.com/ANDY_PALACIO_TRIBUTE , right click on AYO_2010.mp3 and click “save link as”. Please play it and share this email with your friends.
This song was recorded at the Stonetree Studios in Benque Viejo with Garifuna segunda drums and marracas played by Joshua Arana and Giovani Chi, Lloyd Augustine on vocals, Wilton Lewis on bass and four electric guitars played by Sam Harris, Nuru, Al Ovando and music producer Ivan Duran.
On December 2nd 2009, the song Wamada (our mutual friend) was released featuring Aurelio Martinez with Youssou N’Dour, one of Africa’s greatest voices.
“Today we bring it closer to home,” commented Ivan Duran. “This song is for Andy, from his friends, his band mates, the Garifuna Collective.”
The Andy Palacio Foundation has announced that in April 2011 a children’s book titled Andy: Artist for Peace illustrated by Ian Gibson and written by Ian Gibson and Yasser Musa will be published by the Image Factory Art Foundation in collaboration with the Andy Palacio Foundation. The text for the book will be in English and Garifuna.
