Derek Negron comes from a family of skilled musicians, entertainers and artists. His

grandfather 'Papa' Carlos Negron was a professional folkloric musician from Puerto Rico who, along

with his brother performed in New York City and recorded commercials on 78's playing the guitar as

well as the traditional melody instrument called a “Cuatro”. In the later years he taught his his wife,

Margarita how to accompany on guitar as they would play beautiful duets and sing rich harmonies

together. Derek had the honor of being exposed to them in his home since they all lived together for

some time throughout his younger childhood..

Born in New York City, he was heavily influenced by the latin, jazz and soul which his parents

listened to. Throughout his early school days he actively studied many instruments including voice,

tuba and drums. The soul, funk and jazz/rock music of the 70's shaped his musical creativity and in

high school he played bass in the jazz band while studying classical guitar. Among his influences on

bass are Jaco Pastorius, Ron Carter and Glen Moore.

In the past fifteen years he has focused more on African, Afro-Latin and Brazilian percussion,

specializing in instruments like the African 'Dun-Dun' and the Brazilian 'Surdo' (both bass drums).

In 1997 he co-founded the band Sambada and is responsible for composing the

'hit' song 'Axe Axe' for their first album in 2003. Concurrently, he formed a band called 'Double

Whammy' with extraordinary progressive musicians Joe Munda, Brian Fanning and Dave Roda

along with some members of Sambada to create a Hip-Hop, Acid Jazz and Brazilian fusion.

In 2005 he left Sambada and helped form the local Senegalese (West African) Reggae band

'Koumbemba', which has performed locally and opened up for the band Danjuma and Onola.

Among his notable moments he had the pleasure of playing music with James Gurley (Big Brother

and the Holding Company), Steve 'Muruga' Booker (Weather Report, Funkadelic) and members of

'Green Day'.

Derek has been friends with the very gifted musician-entertainer Danjuma Adamu for a long time

and takes great pride and pleasure in working with him.