Born in Curaçao 🇨🇼 (1959) Moved to the Netherlands in 1971. Studied latin percussion at the Rotterdam conservatory from 1982-1984. Also studied at the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba in ’86 ’87 and ’88. As an allround percussionist Martin worked with many of the leading bands and artists in the Netherlands such as: Ilse DeLange, Nick & Simon, Jan Smit, 3J’s, Doe Maar, Rob de Nijs, Paul de Leeuw, OG3NE, Ruth Jacott, Vandenberg Moonkings, Tristan, Shirma Rouse, Laura Fygi, Lois Lane, Karin Bloemen, Harry Sacksioni, Teus Nobel, Danny Vera, Marlayne, Clouseau, Brainpower, Typhoon, Denise Jannah, Elske DeWall, Boris, Chris Hordijk, Berget Lewis, Ruben Hein, Lee Towers, Belle Perez, Rene Froger, Nueva Manteca, Batida, Candy Dulfer, Leif de Leeuw Band, Trijntje Oosterhuis, Cor Bakker, Wolter Kroes, Margriet Eshuys, Intwine, Frans Duijts, Golden Earring, Daniel Sahuleka, Jan Vayne, Izaline Calister, Lilian Vieira, Do, Ali B, Metropool Orkest, Randal Corsen, Rosenberg Trio, Nynke Laverman, Lenette van Dongen, Dancing with the Stars, X-Factor and many more…… Martin Verdonk also played, recorded or performed as guest with the following international artists: Richard Bona, Steve Winwood, Incognito, Prince, Philip Lassiter, Santana, Eric Darius, Lila Downs, Andy Narell, Lionel Richie, Chaka Khan, Snarky Puppy, George Benson, George Duke, Donna Summer, Till Brönner, Rebekka Bakken, Tollak Ollestad, En Vogue, Leonardo Amuedo, James Taylor, Zucchero, Carl Verheyen, Ole Borud, Gianni Vancini, Steve Gadd, Toots Thielemans, Tomi Malm, Jeff Kashiwa, Allen Hinds, Lalo Schifrin, David Sanchez, Chip Taylor, Shaggy, Adam Hawley, Abdullah Ibrahim, dr.Lonnie Smith, Johnny Logan, BAP, Ray Obiedo,WDR big band, NDR big band, BBC big band, Paquito D’Rivera, James Moody, Jon Faddis, Roy Hargrove, Sandra St. Victor, Tony Carey, Horacio”El Negro”Hernandez, Alex Acuna, Rich Wyman, Demis Roussos, Torsten Goods, Max Mutzke and many more…… Martin Verdonk teaches at the World Music Department of the Rotterdam Conservatory and at the ArtEZ Popacademy in Enschede-the Netherlands In 1995 he received the award for ‘outstanding service to Jazz education’ in Los Angeles and a lifetime achievement award from the president of Curaçao in 2014! The readers of the Dutch drum magazine ‘Slagwerkkrant’ choose Martin 20 times as best percussionist and in 2023 as All Time Favorite! The U.S. Magazine ‘Drum’ awarded Martin as one of the 4 best clincians worldwide!