PROFILE - PERFIL
Biography
PABANOR
DJ | Producer | Remixer
Pablo “Pabanor” Ortiz is an artist whose career is defined by significant achievements, ranging from remixing and producing for icons such as El General and David Hasselhoff to pioneering Latin House, Tech House, and Dance Music. Pabanor has firmly established himself as a respected name in the DJ and production world. With a deep passion for music that transcends trends, he is known as one of the pioneers of the Latin house movement, a distinction that can be found on Wikipedia. From production to DJ sets, he effortlessly blends Latin House, Tech House, Progressive, and Afro-inspired rhythms into electrifying performances that keep dance floors moving.
Early Beginnings & Rise as a DJ/Producer
Born in Cuba and raised in New Jersey, Pabanor’s journey into music began at just 13 years old, spinning records at Emerson High School. His raw talent quickly caught the attention of club owners, leading to early residencies at Odyssey Teen Club and High Voltage Nightclub. Later, as “Pabanor,” he rose to perform at legendary venues across the globe, including:
USA: Club Nocturnal, Club Tantra, Casale Rooftop, Mova Lounge, Passion Night Club (Hard Rock Seminole Casino), Moreno’s, La Cueva, Open Stage Club, PAX, Milander Center for Arts & Entertainment, Stardust, After Darks, Garage, and many more.
International: Club Banana’s (Italy), Club ZAZA (Panama), Club 360 Degree (Panama), Ukelele Discoteca Bar (Colombia), Chaman (Nicaragua), Festival y Carnaval de Mendoza (Argentina), Meduza (Mexico), among others.
In 1991, Pabanor founded P.A.O., which later evolved into Pabanor Productions, a label dedicated to showcasing his own DJ albums as well as a roster of rising talent. Whether producing peak-time club anthems or deep, hypnotic house grooves, Pabanor’s work has remained synonymous with innovation. His sound has continuously evolved, effortlessly merging Latin and Afro rhythms with house, techno, and trance, creating an intoxicating mix of high-energy dance music.
Pabanor continues to explore new sonic landscapes, writing and producing original material while collaborating with some of the most influential names in the industry.
A Career Defined by Influence & Collaboration
Beyond his work as a DJ and producer, Pabanor has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous artists, lending his expertise to figures such as:
🎤 El General
🎤 Up 4 Joy
🎤 2 of a Kind
🎤 Day Ja La Loba
🎤 U4riah
🎤 Lindsay J
🎤 Marcelo Molina
🎤 Fragancia (from DLG)
🎤 Heart & Soul
His ability to blend commercial appeal with underground credibility has led to a portfolio that extends beyond music production. Pabanor’s remix work has been showcased in major advertising campaigns, such as Malta India’s promotional blitz across Puerto Rico and New York, while his 10-year tenure as Music Director for L.T.V. Networks and the Coca-Cola Stage at Calle 8 Carnaval solidified his status as a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in live event production.
His extensive touring and event management experience include:
📌 Emmanuel’s 1988 Tour
📌 Noches Cubanas Tour (Europe)
📌 Carnaval en Mendoza (Argentina)
📌 Telethon de Costa Rica
📌 Carnaval de las Americas in Newark NJ
📌 Carnaval Miami Calle 8 – Coca Cola stage
📌 Carnaval Miami Calle 8 – Centro America Stage
📌 Carnaval Miami Calle 8 – Claro Stage
📌 Eclectic Miami During Winter Music Conference @ Mova Miami Beach
📌 Eclectic Radio FM Launch Party @ Will Call Miami
One of his most defining contributions contributions was his partnership with renowned producer José Silva (known for his work with ABBA, Lionel Richie, and the Pointer Sisters). Together, they were instrumental in introducing Champeta, a genre rooted in African rhythms and later fused into what we now recognize as Tropical and Reggaeton, to audiences in the United States.
The Producer Behind the Remixes
Over the years, Pabanor has collaborated with an impressive roster of international artists, leaving his mark on projects for:
✨ Temple of Soul (Clarence Clemons, Narada Michael Walden, TM Stevens, Vernon “Ice” Black)
✨ Miss Autum Leaves
✨ Lucía Méndez
✨ Juan Carlos Coronel
✨ Clarence Clemons “The Big Man” (From the E Street Band)
✨ Shabba Ranks
✨ David Hasselhoff
His expertise extends beyond the studio. With a deep understanding of music production, promotion, and event direction, Pabanor has worn many hats—from executive producer to concert organizer, ensuring each project is executed with creative precision.
Afro-Cuban House: A New Musical Inspiration
Currently, Pabanor is channeling his passion into a groundbreaking Afro-Cuban House project, producing, curating, and adapting the sacred chants of the 7 African Powers—Obatalá, Eleguá, Yemayá, Oshún, Orunmila, Shangó, and Oggún—into a hypnotic, mystical soundscape. Designed for underground clubgoers, mainstream audiences, and festival attendees, this project blends ancestral rhythms with modern electronic music, creating a powerful, spiritual dance experience.
Featuring a diverse lineup of artists:
🎤 Jabali Afrika (Joseck M. Asikoye & Justo O. Asikoye) – Kenyan vocalists and percussionists interpreting the sacred chants of Orunmila and Shangó
🎤 Aurora (Jessica Campo) – Cuban-descendant vocalist interpreting the hypnotic chants of Eleguá and Shangó
🎤 U4riah (Martha Suarez) – Cuban-Mexican descendant vocalist interpreting the hypnotic chants of Obatala & Yemayá
🎤 J Ire (Janie Mendoza Caballero) – Cuban vocalist interpreting the hypnotic chants of Oshún
This compilation is a bold fusion of culture and sound, breathing new life into sacred Yoruba-Locumi chants, timeless rhythms, and hypnotic beats. It is a sonic journey that bridges ancestral wisdom with the pulse of today’s dance floors, blending the spiritual and the modern in a uniquely Pabanor way.
Looking Ahead
Pabanor continues to push boundaries, both as a solo DJ/Producer and as a visionary in electronic music. His commitment to innovation ensures that each performance, remix, and production delivers a fresh, immersive experience, whether in the studio or on stage.
“It’s hard to look too far into the future—every few months, something new and exciting is happening!”
🔥 Currently working on remixes and productions for U4riah, Lindsay J, Lucía Méndez, Orun, and his upcoming Afro-Cuban House compilation.
📍 Born in Cuba, Raised in the USA
🎶 Hobbies: Writing Music & Films, Fashion, Cooking, Dancing, Literature on Futuristic & Human Development