began learning congas in Montreal in 1991. He studied latin and Caribbean percussion with Cuban legend Changuito and Toronto salsa doyen Luis Orbegoso; in West Africa, he learned traditional percussion under master drummers Amadou Kienou and Amara Kanté. Based in Toronto since 1998, Derek has been a rhythmic staple in the city’s music scene — performing with R&B/funk outfit The Soul Motivators, with Zaki Ibrahim opening for Erykah Badu at Massey Hall, and performing at Canadian Music Week, Luminato, and Panamania. Derek has toured in North America, Europe, and Malaysia with Canadian calypso ambassador Kobo Town, and calypso legend and 2017 Victoires de Musique (a/k/a “French Grammys”) winner Calypso Rose. Television appearances include ET Canada’s New Year’s Eve 2014 with Sam Roberts Band. Derek’s studio credits include Aline Morales’ JUNO Award-nominated album Flores, Tambores e Amores (2012), and Kobo Town’s JUNO nominated album Jumbie in the Jukebox (2013).