Mohobub Flores Awarded Andy Palacio Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Garifuna Music

Belizean singer and percussionist Mohobub Flores has been honoured with the Andy Palacio Prize for Belizean Music. The award was announced via the National Institutes of Culture and History’s (NICH) official Facebook page and recognises Flores’ significant contributions to Garifuna music and Punta Rock.

Flores, born in Dangriga, began his musical career in 1979 with Pen Cayetano’s Turtle Shell Band. NICH praised his work, stating, “His work has helped to preserve and promote Garifuna culture worldwide.”

The institute further noted, “Mohobub Flores remains a key figure in Belize’s musical landscape, celebrated for his dedication to his cultural roots and his role in bringing Garifuna music to a global audience. As a senior member of The Garifuna Collective, Mohobub has performed in the last decade in over 25 countries on 5 continents.”

The Andy Palacio Prize honours the legacy of Andy Palacio, a celebrated Belizean musician who dedicated his life to preserving Garifuna culture through music. Palacio was renowned for blending traditional Garifuna music with electric guitars. He was awarded Belize’s Order of Meritorious Service in 2007 and named a UNESCO Artist for Peace shortly before his death on January 19, 2008.