Drummer Lucas van Merwijk has been at the forefront of the European Jazz, Latin and percussion scene for over 25 years.

He was elected ‘Best Jazz Drummer’ and ‘Best Fusion Drummer’ in the Benelux countries by the readers of dutch drum magazine De Slagwerkkrant many years running between 1993 and 2015.

After an intensive study of Afro-Cuban drums with drummer Oscarito Valdes (Irakere) in Cuba in the early eighties, Lucas van Merwijk has been active with a variety of projects.

At the moment Lucas is the initiator and leader of four ensembles: the world-percussion group Drums United, Van Merwijks Music Machine (with a changing line-up every year), Drumix! with master percussionist Aly N’Diaye Rose, and the 20 piece salsa and Latin Jazz ensemble The Cubop City Big Band.

Besides this Lucas is in demand as a drummer with various groups and artists throughout Europe, in particular with the internationally acclaimed group Nueva Manteca.

All of these experiences have made him develop his own special style, a mix of Cuban, Brazilian and North American rhythms, characterized by powerful percussion and splendid technical skills.