Pedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martinez, skilled percussionist, was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. His career in music began at the age of 11, when he functioned as a vocalist and percussionist alongside Cuban legends. He is a former member of a very successful, Afro-Cuban Afro-beat group called Yerba Buena and has also contributed his talents to over 100 records of various artists. In 2005, he began performing with a group who would, three years later, become The Pedrito Martinez Group. According to his official website, the group “has its roots planted firmly in the Afro-Cuban Rumba tradition and in the bata rhythms and vocal chants of the music of Yoruba and Santeria.” The current members of the group, in addition to Pedro, are: Jhair Sala, Alvaro Benavides, and Araicne Trujillo. They have released one live album and are working on a studio album; see them perform at Jazz Fest on May 4th.
Pedrito Martinez Group "La Luna" Live at Guantanamera in New York City
