Garifuna Music Mourns Rolando “Chichiman” Sosa Martínez

Rolando “Chichiman” Sosa Martínez, a musician who helped shape the modern sound of Garifuna Paranda music, has died.

The Garifuna Collective and Stonetree Records announced his death in a Facebook post, calling him a dear friend and collaborator and offering condolences to his family and loved ones.

The group said that since 1999, Sosa played a foundational role in shaping the modern sound of Garifuna Paranda, which reached the world through recordings with Andy Palacio, Aurelio Martínez, The Garifuna Collective and others.

“On stage, he always displayed an extraordinary musical spirit alongside legends such as Paul Nabor, Andy Palacio, and Aurelio Martínez,” the group said.

In the studio, it said, he became an indispensable multi-instrumentalist who contributed to some of the most influential Garifuna albums, including Garifuna Soul, Watina, Umalali, Ayó and Lándini.

The Collective said he was also working on its new album, scheduled for release in 2027.

“His music, his spirit, and his extraordinary legacy will live on,” the group said. “Rest in peace, dear Chichiman. You have now joined the ancestors.”

Canadian musician Danny Michel also paid tribute on Facebook. He said he was blessed to work with Sosa while recording “Black Birds Are Dancing Over Me,” an album he called the work he is most proud of.

“Heartbroken to hear the news that the great Rolando ‘Chichiman’ Sosa Martínez has passed,” Michel wrote. He called it “another immense loss for the Garifuna community and the musical world.”