Kiki Sanchez

The extraordinarily Peruvian producer, composer, arranger, educator and pianist Luis Enrique “Kiki” Sanchez can capture the hearts of many through his variations of skillful and unique style that have filled the airwaves with a distinctive blend of soulful jazz, tropical, and afro-Peruvian fusion. This gifted musician was born and raised in Lima, Peru where he studied piano with Coco Macedo and Edermi Chavez and started playing professionally at the age of 11. He became a well-rounded musician by playing with “Orquesta Majestic” (led by his father, Maximo Sanchez) . These experiences were the initial building blocks to his future abroad. Later he moved to Miami, Florida where he played with several Jazz and Latin Jazz legends such as Jim Gasior, Cachao, Mike Gerber, and Arturo Sandoval just to mention a few.

Kiki’s collaborations have been nominated to the Grammys in several occasions. Best Instrumental Album, Frankie Marcos featuring Arturo Sandoval project “Blown Away” (Universal Music) where Sanchez programmed the Keyboards and played the piano. Best Traditional Tropical Album,  “La Onda Latina” (Estreno Digital), Frankie Marcos and Clouds where Kiki arranged, programmed and recorded the piano and Edwin Bonilla’s “Back to Basics” where Kiki composed, arranged and recorded the piano on the track tittle “Descarga Para El Bailador” (Sonic Project Records). Kiki has also collaborated with Grammy winning producer, Glen Kolotin in numerous projects as well. Now days Kiki Sanchez is a voting member for the Grammy Awards Academy.

Kiki has released two Latin Jazz albums, both with Diola Entertainment “Dreams” in 2007 and “Two Worlds” in 2011 featuring Grammy award winner Susana Baca.

Sanchez’s vision is to reach diverse audiences and expand his musical abilities by releasing projects from different genres, “Kiki Sanchez Salsa Project” in 2015 (Diola Entertainment) and “In a Quiet and Healing Mood” in 2015 (Estreno Digital) a music meditation album.  

In the past few years, he has released a few singles such us “Too Many Notes”, “It’s a Peruvian Thing”, Sanchez’s Blues”, “Canta Sonero”, “La Blanquirroja”  and two Gospel singles “I Praise You Lord” and  “I Want to Give you My Best”.

A tribute to Tito Puente, “Homenaje a Tito Puente, Mi Viejo”  is his latest release  featuring Tito Puente Jr. and Lefty Perez.

Kiki holds a Master Degree in Classical Composition from Florida Atlantic University FAU and as an educator he has ha release and instructional DVD titled the “The Real Latin Piano and Intro to Afro-Peruvian Rhythms, Vol.1”. Published by ADG productions, this DVD is showcased in all libraries nationwide. He also has released two books “The Real Latin Piano Book” in 2012 published by ADG productions and “The Contemporary Music Harmony Book” in 2018 published by Kiki Sanchez Music.

Kiki is the founder and president of PPW “Place for Praise and Worship” a 501c3 Non-profit organization where the mission is to help and provide music education to kids from less fortunate families and communities. One of Kiki’s dreams is to make a difference through Arts/Music education and expose its benefits changing generations through music.