Junior Santos

Junior Santos is coming near you with a career that connects Afro-Dominican rhythms, Afro-Cuban music and contemporary jazz.

Born in the Dominican Republic, the percussionist developed an early interest in music by watching his father's band rehearse. He was playing professionally with bands in the Dominican Republic by age 15, studied at the Academy of Music in Puerto Plata, then moved to Toronto in 1989 and attended Humber College's music program.

In 1991, Junior Santos co-founded Dominicanada, a merengue band that became popular in Canada's Latin dance communities. He has since worked with many artists and ensembles on the Toronto music scene, including Memo Acevedo, Rick Lazar and Montuno Police. His debut album, Conpambiche, draws from Dominican pambiche, merengue tipico and jazz fusion. Ontario Arts Council grants in 2017 and 2019 supported the making of the album. Conpambiche earned Santos a 2021 JUNO Award nomination for Jazz Album of the Year: Solo and a 2021 MARTYS nomination in the Music Solo Instrumental - Established category. His work highlights the musical links between Dominican roots, Caribbean traditions and Canadian jazz.

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