Edwin
Sanz

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, in the San Agustín del Sur neighborhood, Edwin Sanz began his artistic journey as a dancer. Growing up in a family of artists, he developed his skills alongside his uncle Reinaldo Mijares, a renowned choreographer and dancer from the Barlovento region, where Afro-Venezuelan culture holds great significance. As a teenager, Edwin Sanz was admitted to Grupo Madera, one of the most important Venezuelan ensembles in the Caribbean music scene. It was at this time that he began studying percussion, quickly becoming a master in the field.

Today in demand worldwide, Edwin Sanz is recognized for his virtuosity, ingenuity, and exceptional mastery of Latin American percussion, jazz, and world music. During his performances, he plays numerous percussion instruments including congas, bongos, drum set, shamanic drums, cajón, timbal, xequerê, agogô, pandeiro, maracas, and djembe.

Invited to join the group Rodrigo & Gabriela, Edwin Sanz performed during their world tour Area 52, showcasing his talent in Caribbean music and the Cuban repertoire. With his own band, San Augustin — which offers an explosive fusion of Latin music, Afro-jazz, and blues — he was invited to perform at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival in England. At this event, Edwin Sanz was applauded by the audience and won the Best Latin Band award.

Gifted with a unique ability to blend styles, cultures, and influences, Edwin Sanz has performed alongside legendary artists such as the Gypsy Kings, The New York Salsa All Stars, Tito Nieves, Adalberto Santiago, José Alberto, Isaac Delgado, Willie González, and Steve Winwood. Passionate about multidisciplinary projects, Edwin Sanz has also performed with the Béjart Ballet Lausanne.

In recent years, Edwin Sanz has performed at some of today’s most important festivals and concert halls, including Paléo Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, New Orleans Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Edinburgh Edge Festival, Feria de Cali, Ghent Jazz Festival, Radio City Music Hall in New York, Warner Theater in Washington, and the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.