DE CAJóN at Neptune Theater, 2015

Arte + Activismo

We are a pioneering Afro-Peruvian arts organization in the Pacific Northwest. Based in Seattle, WA, DE CAJóN is devoted to bringing awareness of the history and cultural resilience of people of African descent in Peru. We offer lectures, workshops, residencies, music and dance performances and collaborations with local and visiting artists from Peru.

Monica Rojas-Stewart and cajon students, Neptune theater, 2015

A global-local effort

Since its inception in 2009, DE CAJóN Project strives to serve as an extension of the historical, current and ever evolving efforts and initiatives among Afro-Peruvian artists and activists both locally and globally.

The Atajo de Negritos tradition performed simultaneously in Seattle and Peru

¡De cajón! = Without question!

Not only is the cajón (wooden box drum) the seed of this project. The phrase “de cajón” is a strong reaffirming Peruvian expression meaning “for sure,” “rain or shine,” “without question.” Thus, the name “DE CAJóN Project” declares our ongoing commitment to and solidarity with Peruvians of African descent without question!

Gabriel Cerna playing cajón at Echoes Afroperuanos, June 2011

Gabriel Cerna playing the cajón in a performance. The cajón has the "De Cajón Project" logo on it. Picture was taken by Angela Macklin

Upcoming Events

  • “Fun and especially positive for my mixed-race family. I brought my boys to see [DE INGA Y MANDINGA] and they were enthralled, which is pretty great, considering they’re both under the age of ten! I especially loved seeing the younger performers on stage.“

    Audience member

  • “Monica Rojas and DE CAJóN Project’s artistic work is one of the main experiences of Afro-Peruvians internationally… it elevates us as humans…it is a commendable work, a huge effort, and it is a valuable example for future generations.”

    Director, Cultural Heritage Division, Museo Afroperuano Zaña-Peru

  • “DE CAJóN Project has been a life-changing experience for my children. It has given them a connection to their roots and culture since we live far from Peru. They have found what it means to be Peruvian; and more than anything… it has provided my kids with confidence in themselves as well as pride and a love for Peru.”

    Mother of three second-generation Peruvian children

  • “The African roots in the Son Jarocho music [from Veracruz, Mexico] has been highlighted thanks to the collaboration we had with the DE CAJóN Project. This has enriched our vision and has awaken our responsibility towards that cultural legacy”

    Member of the Seattle Fandango Project

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“The arts can unlock our own stories and the multiple identities embodied in each of us, to walk in this world making better decisions and build together the world in which we want to live.”

— Monica Rojas Stewart, DE CAJóN Project founder and director.