Andy Palacio

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Andy Palacio is a Belizean Punta musician.

He was born and raised in the coastal village of Barranco. Palacio sings mainly in Garifuna, a combination of Spanish and French, combined with West African, Carib, and the native Arawak language, but has also composed English-only songs. He was the first musical artist from Belize to have a video on international television. He received the award for "Best New Artist" at the Caribbean Music Awards in 1991. He lives in Belize.

Palacio's work is considered to represent a loss of traditional spirituality in Garifuna music, in favor of Christian ideology.

[edit] Contributions to Belizean music and media

Palacio has served as a head of the National Institute of Culture and History and named a cultural ambassador. He has released over five original albums beginning with "Nabi" in 1990 up to his latest release in the 2000s. He has also traveled widely promoting and performing his music.

Palacio briefly hosted a television program on Channel 5 named after him and featuring works from Belizeans. He also wrote the theme music for Channel 5's newscast.

This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses.

On March 14, 2007, Palacio released his latest studio album, "Watina", which he considers his masterpiece. The album features guest appearances from other prominent Garifuna artists including Paul Nabor and is produced by Stonetree Records.