Washington Alcebo Duke got his first drum set when he was six years old. The son of a Cuban woman and an American man, at an early age Wash displayed a deep passion for music, and an innate sense of rhythm. During his study of Jazz under Dr. Paul Jeffrey at Duke University, in the summer of 1997, Wash traveled to Cuba for the first time, where he delved into the study of Afro-Cuban music, i.e. Son, Rumba, and Bembe. It was during this time that Washington truly connected with his Cuban heritage. Being in Cuba and absorbing its distinct rhythmic sensibility is ultimately what shaped Washington’s approach to his instrument.

In the summer of 1997, Wash traveled to Cuba for the first time, where he delved into the study of Afro-Cuban music, i.e. Son, Rumba, and Bembe. It was during this time that Washington truly connected with his Cuban heritage. Being in Cuba and absorbing its distinct rhythmic sensibility is ultimately what shaped Washington’s approach to his instrument.

Upon moving to Brooklyn in 2000, Washington expanded his musical direction out of the realm of traditional jazz and Latin music, and began to explore funk, reggae, hip hop, and rock. In ‘02 he joined Babaloo, a band from Boston who’s music was a mixture of Afro/Latin rhythms and high energy ska and punk rock. Since parting with Babaloo in ‘06 Wash has taken the stage with many New York artists such as Ladybug Mecca (Digable Planets), Toussant Yeshua (Soul Live), Yah Supreme and Brohemian, Karen Gibson Roc, The Jambalaya Brass Band, Mobius Collective, and The Pimps of Joytime.

In 2008 Washington began collaborating with Jean Shepherd and Navegante. Washington’s eclectic background and musicianship are part of the foundation of Navegante’s unique new Latin sound.