Pedrito Martinez

About

Cuban percussionist, singer, and bandleader known around the globe as one of the world's most foremost Afro-Cuban musical artists. Over the course of his career, he has released numerous acclaimed albums including "The Pedrito Martinez Group" and "Habana Dreams." He has collaborated with an extensive list of celebrated artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Bruce Springsteen, among countless others. He is widely recognized for his original blend of traditional rumba with modern jazz, timba, and world music sounds.

Before Fame

He was raised primarily in the Caya Hueso neighborhood of Havana, Cuba, which is widely known as an artistic hotspot for Afro-Cuban music. He began performing professionally when he was only eleven years old and both singing and drumming with folkloric groups such as Oriki.

Trivia

After relocating to New York City in 1998, he was declared the winner of the Thelonious Monk International Afro-Latin Hand Drum Competition at the Kennedy Center. He has also been nominated for two Grammy Awards including Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alt Album in 2004 and Best Latin Jazz Album in 2014. Additionally, he earned the award for NPR Critics Top Jazz Album in 2016.

Family Life

He and his wife Maria share a daughter named Ziona.

Associated With

He has performed alongside countless esteemed artists including Paul Simon and Elton John.