Belize remembers Andy P in first anniversary of his passing
[Linked Image]
Monday, January 19 marks the first anniversary of Belize's musical ambassador's, Andy Palacio, death.

The recently formed Andy Palacio Foundation says it will hold a memorial mass in his name on Saturday, January 17.

The mass will begin at 3:00 P.M. at St. Martin De Pores Church in Belize City and will be celebrated by Fathers Callistus Cayetano, Larry Nicasio and Oliver Smalls.

Palacio passed away at the age of 47 from respiratory failure after a stroke and heart attack.

In the last year leading up to his sudden death, Andy's last album Watina, in which he team up with the Garifuna Collective to produce, hit the top world music charts and, along with producer Ivan Duran, won the prestigious WOMEX Award from the World Music Expo.

He was also named Artist for Peace by UNESCO and bestowed with the Order of Meritorious Service by the Belize Government.

Garifuna music is a vehicle to enhance cultural preservation for the Garinagu who are weaving a future for themselves.

Andy grew up in the Garifuna coastal village of Barranco. In the 1980's he used the Garifuna rhythms in punta music, such as "Bikini Panty," and "Gimme Punta Rock" to promote his culture.

In 1995 Andy collaborated with Ivan Duran's, Stonetree Label and released his first CD, Keimoun followed by Til Da Mawnin' in 1997.

In 1999 he appeared with older Garifuna musicians on the album "Paranda." He and Duran collaborated to assemble the Garifuna Collective, which brought together multiple generations of Garifuna musicians.

The album that gave Andy P. international acclaim was "Watina." Palacio was born in Barranco Village, Toledo, on December 2, 1960 and was laid to rest at St. Joseph Church in his hometown of Barranco. "Ayo Da and Seremei nia hun Andy!"