Debajito makes borderless music.
With hip-hop as a backbone, their genre-bending sound honors elements of diverse world music genres, while seamlessly transitioning from cumbia to reggae to ska to salsa to afrobeats to reggaeton to Andean music and more.
Their live set has a unique, danceable, and energetic sound. Formed in Chico, California in 2021, they began playing backyard boogies at the tail end of the pandemic. With members from Chile, Mexico, Peru, and the United States, Debajito takes you on a musical journey throughout the Americas and the Caribbean, moving crowds with good vibes and good times for all.
Their musical ingenuity is matched with lyrics in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, high-energy performances, hypnotic beats, and a message rooted in social justice, equity, and peace. Members include Pablo Kee (vocals, guitar, charango), Luis Castillo (congas, bongos, cajon, guiro, quena, zampoña, and vocals), Peter Washington (violin, mandolin, vocals), Wayne “Weezy” Moore (drum kit), Austin “Wawa Face” Petersen (bass), Dani Cornejo (vocals, guitar, cuatro), and Juan Carlos Bermejo (timbales, congas, bongo). Debajito is part of the Debajo del Agua Music Collective.
The Band
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Pablo Kee Cornejo is a vocalist, lyricist, composer, guitarist, and musical director of Debajito based in Northern California. Pablo Kee has released seven albums as co-founder of Debajo Del Agua and The Soul Pros (Future Classic Music). He has performed internationally sharing the stage with Public Enemy, KRS-One, De La Soul, Pharoahe Monch, Ozomatli, Las Cafeteras, Los Cumbia Kings, and more.
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Peter Washington was classically trained on the violin in Chico, California’s Suzuki school in the ‘80s, and began experimenting on mandolin more recently. He expanded into other genres over many years playing in Dave the Butcher, the house band for weird Chico's favorite eccentric outdoor theatre festival. His ear for both melody and harmony, as well as, the resonant tones of his instruments add richness to Debajito's unique sound.
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Originating from Chico, California, Austin Petersen channels his musical vibrations through a 5 stringed electric bass guitar. He adds in his own spices influenced from years of playing rock and roll, funk, blues, jazz, and reggae. He enjoys cooking up flavorful soundscapes sure to get the crowd moving and feeling rejuvenated.
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Dani Cornejo is a multi-talented vocalist, emcee, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in the Bay Area. He is best know for his interactive stage presence during live performances. Dani is the co-founder, co-creator, and key visionary of Debajo del Agua. Over the past two decades Dani has released nine records including projects with Debajo del Agua and solo albums. He has shared the stage with Ozomatli, Las Cafeteras, Los Cumbia Kings, Bang Data and many more.
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From Detroit, Michigan, Wayne “Weezy” Moore is a talented drummer whose rhythms pulse with vibrant energy and creative soul. Known for his friendly spirit and electrifying stage presence, he brings passion, positivity, and pure excitement to every note he plays. His head-nod Dilla-esq chops on the drum kit are hypnotic to the ear.
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Luis Castillo specializes in congas, bongos, cajon and assorted Andean instruments (quena, zampoña). Originally from Chincha, Peru, the Afro-Peruvian music capital, Luis brings multi-talented skill, energy, and charisma to every performance.
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Juan Carlos Bermejo plays timbal, guiro, and congas, while specializing in West African and Latin American rhythms. For over two decades, Juan has played dundun and djembe percussion from Guinea, touring internationally as a percussion teacher and facilitator. Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, Juan’s energy on stage is contagious.
