pedro martinez

Biography

Pedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martinez, born on September 12, 1973, in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood of Old Havana, Cuba, is widely recognized as one of the most influential percussionists and vocalists in contemporary Latin jazz, timba, and son cubano. Immersed in the rich traditions of rumba and Afro-Cuban Yoruba music from an early age, Martinez began performing professionally at age 11, quickly establishing himself within Havana’s vibrant music scene. His early career included collaborations with major rumba groups such as Yoruba Andabo and Obba Ilu, and he became renowned for his mastery of the batá drum and congas[1][2][6].

In 1998, Martinez relocated to New York City, where his career flourished through collaborations with a diverse array of artists, including Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Paquito D’Rivera, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, and Sting. He contributed to over 100 albums and became the world’s first-call rumbero, performing, singing, and dancing with dozens of Cuban rumba groups. Martinez was a founding member of the influential Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band Yerba Buena, recording two albums and touring internationally in the late 1990s. In 2005, he formed The Pedrito Martinez Group in New York, whose debut album was Grammy-nominated and acclaimed by NPR and The Boston Globe as one of the best albums of 2013[2][3][4][7].

Martinez’s musical style is defined by his virtuosic percussion, deep knowledge of Afro-Cuban folkloric traditions, and innovative blending of jazz, timba, and son cubano. His legacy is marked by his role in bringing Afro-Cuban rhythms to new audiences, his collaborations with jazz and pop luminaries, and his influence on a new generation of Latin and jazz musicians[2][3][5].

Fun Facts

• Martinez won First Place in the Thelonious Monk Institute's Afro/Latin Jazz Hand Drum competition at the Kennedy Center in 2000[6][7].
• He appeared in the acclaimed music documentaries 'Calle 54' (2000) and 'Chico and Rita' (2010)[2][3].
• Martinez is considered the world’s first-call rumbero, known for his ability to play, sing, and dance simultaneously in traditional Cuban rumba settings[2][5].
• His debut album with The Pedrito Martinez Group was nominated for a Grammy and named one of NPR’s Favorite Albums of 2013[2][7].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Tata Güines - Legendary Cuban percussionist who influenced Martinez’s approach to conga and Afro-Cuban rhythms (Collaborated in rumba groups in Havana) [1980s–1990s]
• Changuito (José Luis Quintana) - Renowned timba and Latin jazz drummer, inspiration for Martinez’s rhythmic innovations (Shared performances in Havana’s rumba scene) [1980s–1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Yerba Buena - Founding member of the Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band, recorded and toured globally (Albums: 'President Alien', 'Island Life') [1999–2005]
• Wynton Marsalis - Collaborated in jazz performances and recordings (Live performances, studio sessions) [2000s–present]
• Paul Simon - Recorded and performed together, blending Afro-Cuban and pop music (Live performances, studio collaborations) [2000s–present]
• Paquito D’Rivera - Frequent collaborator in Latin jazz projects (Live and studio recordings) [2000s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Román Díaz - Collaborator and fellow percussionist, Martinez’s approach to rumba and batá has influenced Díaz’s style (Joint performances, educational projects) [2000s–present]
• Younger Latin jazz percussionists - Martinez’s technical mastery and fusion of genres have inspired a new generation of musicians in Cuba and abroad (Numerous students and proteges cite his influence) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Cuba Isla Bella (feat. Gente de Zona, Leoni Torres, Isaac Delgado, Buena Fe, Descemer Bueno, Laritza Bacallao, Waldo Mendoza & Pedrito Martinez)
2. River Rises (Look out Now!)
3. Ilusión Óptica
4. Loco Amor
5. Nos Volveremos a Encontrar (Ilusión Óptica)
6. La Luna (The Pedrito Martinez Group)
7. Yo Vivo Enamorao (Ilusión Óptica)
8. Ayuda (Ilusión Óptica)
9. Paint It, Black
10. Yo Sí Quiero (Acertijos)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia