Musician. Educator. Legacy.
“If a conga could talk and sing, it would certainly be the voice of Christian Pepin, for he speaks through his instrument. Equally fluent in Jazz, Salsa and other Latin and World idioms, his fluid versatility sets him apart. Christian’s total command of his instrument allows him a freedom of expression that is at once captivating and liberating, powerful and genuine.”
JB - DRUM! Magazine
A musical multi-linguist, 2x GRAMMY® Award Winner, and 2016 GRAMMY®-Nominated Percussionist, Christian Pepin is a versatile musician who embodies the soul of a percussionist, inherently stirring the human spirit. From his supersonic slaps to his thunderous open tones and heavy-hitting bass notes, Christian Pepin showcases a deep appreciation for Latin, Jazz, Rock, Punk, Screamo, Country, and World Music. His keen musical sense, gifted interpretation of rhythm, and the influence of New York’s vibrant streets allow him to translate his passion effortlessly. Whether on stage or immersed in Avant-garde Jazz, Salsa, Latin Jazz, Fusion, or Heavy Rock, he makes his drums speak fluently to any listener.
Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Christian Pepin has been surrounded by music his entire life. His father, a gifted musician, and his mother, a talented vocalist, gave him his first set of drums at the age of six. As he grew older, he transitioned from drum set to timbales, congas, and bongó, continuously refining his craft. Music is an inherent part of the Pepin family legacy—his great-grandfather Toño Pepin, grandfather Papo Pepin, and cousin Bobby Allende are all musical icons and legends in their own right. For Christian, music is not just a passion—it is the very essence of his being.
During his teenage years, Christian moved with his family from New York City to Spokane, WA, where he continued his studies. He explored and improvised across various genres, including Jazz, Rock, Americana, Pop, Punk, Screamo, and Country, shaping his melodic versatility and rhythmic precision.
In 2001, he relocated to Seattle, where he continued developing his signature sound while gaining a devoted following. Excelling in marching band, he mastered all instruments in the Battery (Drumline) and developed a deep appreciation for complex and challenging odd-time signatures—particularly the third bass drum. By mid-2005, he was invited to join the Cascade Marching Band, touring across the United States.
By 2008, Christian was touring with numerous Latin, World, Rock, and R&B artists, refining his versatile and sophisticated playing style. In 2012, he moved to San Francisco, where he was invited to record on the GRAMMY®-winning album “PMO” by the Pacific Mambo Orchestra.
Since then, Christian Pepin has continued to tour worldwide, performing and recording across multiple genres:
R&B, Hip-Hop, House Music: Jarobi White, Starita
Fusion: Collectivity, Tommy Igoe, Pete Escovedo, Sheila E.
Ethiopian Jazz (Ethio-Jazz): Mulatu Astatke
Rock: Papa Roach, One Tribe Nation
Latin Jazz: Poncho Sanchez
Salsa: Josimar, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Ismael Miranda, La India, Frankie Negrón
Timba: Havana D’ Primera
Cuban Music: Afro-Cuban All Stars
Big Band Jazz & Modern Jazz: Soweto Kinch, Nicolas Payton, Marcus Shelby, Bobby Hutcherson, Kamasi Washington
Through his diverse musical experiences, Christian Pepin continues to push boundaries, blending his deep-rooted Latin influences with contemporary and avant-garde styles, making him one of the most in-demand percussionists and drummers of his generation.