Happy Birthday Andy Palacio!!!

Andy Palacio

Cultural icon Andy Palacio would have turned sixty years old today. The legendary Garifuna musician was born in the coastal village of Barranco on December second 1960. Palacio became a household name after he launched his music career in 1981. He significantly impacted the country, the region and the world through his craft. The National Garifuna Council says that Palacio’s last and most acclaimed album, Watina, was an immense source of joy and pride for Andy. He worked in the creative arts industry as Belize’s Cultural Ambassador and Deputy Administrator of the National Institute of Culture and History, whilst sharing the Garifuna culture, language, and music with the world. He released several albums. Palacio was also a teacher. He was part of the teachers’ Brigade who went to the Garifuna communities in Nicaragua. In January 2008, Palacio passed away leaving behind a rich legacy of songs, compositions, accolades including the UNESCO Artist for Peace, Womex Award, B.B.C.3 Awards for World Music award in the Americas Category, and Garifuna Cultural Ambassador.