Discover Martin Zarzar

Martin Zarzar is a Peruvian-American musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his eclectic blend of Latin, jazz, world, and pop music. Born in Lima, Peru, Zarzar spent his childhood between Europe and Lima, which deeply influenced his musical outlook. His early exposure to music began when he was three years old, witnessing a performance by Stanley Clarke with Jaco Pastorius in London—a moment that ignited his passion for music. He was further inspired by South African musicians Eugene Skeef and members of the group District Six during his early years in the UK .

Zarzar studied at Berklee College of Music on a scholarship, graduating magna cum laude. He later joined the acclaimed band Pink Martini, contributing to several of their albums and performing internationally.

As a solo artist, Zarzar has released multiple albums, including Two Dollars to Ride the Train (2012), Libre (2013), El Jardín de Mi Abuela (2019), Bed Bugs (2020), and If I Fall in Love with You (2022).  His music often features a fusion of genres and languages, reflecting his diverse influences and multicultural background.

A long time advocate for public transportation, a variation of Martin's song "Two Dollars to Ride the Train" was used in 2013 as part of the TriMet Rider Engagement Campaign in Portland, Oregon. Martin's music was also featured during the inauguration of Portland's Tilikum Crossing Bridge in September 2015.

Zarzar’s work has garnered recognition, earning him several Independent Music Awards across various categories, such as World Beat, Love Song, and Acoustic Song . He continues to perform his original compositions and arrangements of Latin-American classics, sharing his unique musical perspective with audiences worldwide.