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Andy Palacio died ten years ago but, his band, the Garifuna Collective is still carrying his message and music out into the world.

Since his untimely death in 2008 at the age of 47, the collective has toured all over the world and today they headed out on a brief North American tour.  

The first date is in Boston, and before they left, we got to speak to them about carrying that legacy and the music of a legend:

The Garifuna Collective has been a driving force in Belize's music industry for years. Their music has not just brought Belizean crowds to its feet but also crowds in Europe, Canada, and the United States. Their fan base is worldwide. The Garifuna music movement, of course, all started with legend Andy Palacio. 

His death was a heartbreak felt around the world, but for the collective, it was no excuse to slow down. They knew Andy would want them to keep the dream alive, and ten years after his passing they have done just that.

The group along with the Umalai Women's Group is heading to the United States for a two-week tour and even though it is an emotional time for them they are excited to get on stage and perform for their mentor and friend, Andy.

Al Ovando - Bass Player & Road Manager
"The Garifuna Collective all the work that we are putting in is just the legacy that Andy Palacio left. This is the group doing it and continuing the work now. This is the Touring group of the Garifuna Collective with Umalali. It is the same songs from the library 8 years ago and some new stuff."

For each member reminscing, Andy's drive and determination are what pushes them to keep going.

Sahar Vasquez
"For you guys when you are out there do you feel Andy in the music that you are singing?" 

Horace - Percussion & Vocals
"Well, he is the man that gave us that initiative to drive us through this journey. He gets us there and brings us back home."

The two-week tour won't just be performances the group will also be holding informative workshops.

Al Ovando
"Well actually with this tour. It is almost a 2 weeks tour. There is an educational component to it whereby for every concert we do we have to do a workshop. The workshop is in the format of question and answer. It is in the University before the concert the people will come and ask us and everybody questions. It is a casual talk but it is an educational process whereby we share the culture of Belize and the Garifuna story with everybody."

And of course, the group couldn't leave without giving us a rendition of one of their hits.

The tour is a warm up for the 2018 Commonwealth Games all the way in Australia on April 4th. That will be the first time the group performs in the Land Down Under.