Today we’d like to introduce you to Javier Chirinos.
Hi Javier, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born on September 29, 1991, in Coro, Venezuela, in a Christian home where music was always part of life — my dad was a pastor and my mom was a worship leader. I’m the oldest of three siblings. When I was nine, I started taking drum lessons with my church’s drummer, and by twelve I was already playing on the worship team at Iglesia Sion in Coro, which was a great musical school for me.
At fifteen, I started studying music at the university and had the chance to sub for the amazing Euro Zambrano, who today plays percussion for Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan, sharing the stage with artists like Rodner Padilla, Frankie Tovar, and Andrés Briceño.
When I was twenty, I moved to Zaragoza, Spain, where I worked as a drummer and music director for several gospel choirs, like the Coro Gospel de Zaragoza, Castilla-La Mancha, and Albacete, and opened for the Chicago Mass Choir and the Mississippi Mass Choir. I also played for artists like Danilo Montero, Débora Romo, Héctor Pérez, Jonathan Ogalla, and Lidia Valendys. In 2019, I was crowned Spain champion in Shure’s international Drum Mastery competition.
In early 2024, I moved to Mount Juliet, TN, to be the main drummer for First Baptist Church of La Vergne and a session musician in Nashville studios like Búnker Five Music and Nomad Studio Co, working on projects with Roberto Prado, Edwin Portillo, Misael Merida, Willian García, David Alastre, Danny López, Luis Pacheco, Kent Parker, The Middle Season, among others. I was also part of the Latin Showcase at the Dove Awards last year and Musicolab this year. Right now, I’m an endorser for Soultone Cymbals and working on producing my first solo album. I’m also currently the director and founder of PraiseSync Solutions, a music academy based in La Vergne, where I’m excited to share my experience and knowledge with the next generation of musicians.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. It’s really been a process of growing and learning to rely on God. Starting over is always a challenge, and I’ve had to do it more than once. But this time has been especially hard because moving forward meant relocating my whole family. Right now I live with my wife and our two kids, who mean everything to me, but it’s still tough to be away from loved ones.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a drummer, worship leader, and music director with a heart for gospel and worship music. I specialize in blending different musical styles with a strong sense of groove and passion, both on stage and in the studio. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with choirs, bands, and well-known artists across Europe and the U.S., and I love helping people connect with God through music.
I think what sets me apart is my versatility, being able to move between gospel, worship, pop, and Latin styles, and adapt to different musical cultures while staying authentic. What I’m most proud of is how music has opened doors for me to serve and inspire others, whether that’s through a church service, a choir, or a recording session. If I had to mention something really meaningful to me, it would be winning the Drum Mastery contest in Spain, because to me it was a recognition of so many years of hard work and dedication to my instrument. Beyond that, I have a deep passion for leaving a legacy for the next generation of musicians who want to serve God with excellence, which is why I founded PraiseSync Solutions to help equip and inspire them.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Honestly, my favorite childhood memories are definitely Christmas with my parents and siblings, all the family meals at my grandparents’ house, spending time with friends in my hometown getting ready to exchange gifts, watching Christmas movies together, and taking trips as a family. Those moments really stand out to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javinos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/javier.darfo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@javiecaz777
