Paul Nabor

Paul Nabor (26 January 1928 – 22 October 2014), born Alfonso Palacio, was a Garifuna singer and musician from Punta Gorda, Belize.[1] He is often credited with popularizing paranda, a style of traditional Garifuna music, and is considered to have been one of the most talented musicians of the genre.[2]

Paul Nabor
Birth nameAlfonso Palacio
Born(1928-01-26)26 January 1928
Punta Gorda, British Honduras
(now Belize)
Died22 October 2014(2014-10-22) (aged 86)
Punta Gorda, Belize
GenresGarifuna music
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsGuitar
Years active1946–2013
Associated actsThe Garifuna Collective

Early life

Nabor was born as Alfonso Palacio on 26 January 1928. Although official sources list his place of birth as Stann Creek Town (now Dangriga), Nabor told Amandala in 2009 that he had been born in Punta Gorda, where he was a lifelong resident. Nabor began singing professionally at 18.[3]

Career

In Belize, Nabor's best known song was "Naguya Nei," which he wrote in memory of his deceased sister. Fluent in English, Spanish and Garifuna, Nabor was a popular entertainer throughout Central America.[3]

Nabor performed on Andy Palacio's final album, Wátina, released in 2007.[4] Nabor's music is also included on the showcase album Paranda on Stonetree Records.[1] He retired from performing full-time in 2009, but played occasionally until 2013.[3]

Honours

On a 2004 visit to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, he was declared a distinguished guest of the city. Nabor was visiting Tegucigalpa for the Honduran release of Garifuna Soul, an album by fellow paranda musician, Aurelio Martínez.[5]

Death

On 22 October 2014, Nabor died at Punta Gorda Hospital, following a stroke the week before.[2] He is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Punta Gorda.[6]

References
  1. "Priest and Poet: Paul Nabor". Belize – The Exile's Song. PBS Frontline. January 2004. Archived from the original on 23 January 2004. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  2. Cayetano, Isani (October 23, 2014). "Paranda King Paul Nabor Passes". News 5. Great Belize Television. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  3. Ramos, Adele. "Legendary Garifuna parandero, Paul Nabor, passes at 86", Amandala, 24 October 2014; accessed 22 May 2015.
  4. Andy Palacio: Watina (2007) at Bordeaux Salsa.
  5. "Belizean Parandero Receives Award As Hondurans Get Garifuna Soul". Stonetree Records. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2013.
  6. Ali, Marion (1 November 2014). "Paul Nabor laid to rest at the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Punta Gorda". The Reporter. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
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