Fermin Ceballos was born in a small town in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, and grew up studying music and learning the folk traditions of his home country, including merengue. A guitarist, accordionist, pianist and singer, Ceballos went on to study music at the University of Santo Domingo and teach music and culture in the national school system. In the spring 2012, Ceballos moved to New Orleans, and the Afro-Dominican musician began to explore the local music community. He has since played with a number of musicians and taught lessons on Latin and Caribbean music through local organizations.