Grupo Rompe Cajón is a musical ensemble specializing in Afro-Peruvian folkloric music, based in the Washington, D.C. area. Formed in 2018, the group's mission is to share the rich folkloric traditions of Peru's coast to people of all backgrounds. We showcases a variety of genres, such as the Festejo, Landó, Panalivio and Zamacueca, and bring to life songs about celebration as well as the struggle for Afro-Peruvian freedom before slavery and equality since. We do this through music, dance, and education. Audiences leave our performances appreciating the diversity of Afro-Peruvian music, understanding the cultural and historical context, and, we hope, some songs to sing, rhythms to play, and steps to dance. We play a variety of Peruvian percussion instruments, including the cajón (box drum), the cajita (small box), quijada de burro (donkey jawbone), checo (large gourd), conga, bongo, cowbell, guitar, and violin.

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Our members include professional musicians young and old, starting at the age of 10. Robin Ghertner is our musical director of Grupo Rompe Cajón. He has studied and performed percussion traditions from around the world including in Peru, Cuba, Korea, and India. Visit robinaxel.com for more info on Robin.

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