Zayra Pola

On a November night in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, I was born. My family claims that I developed an early interest in percussion when, at the age of one, I began to speak one of my first phrases, "Tiki Tum Tiki Tum," while moving my body in imitation of a bongo player. As I grew older, I became obsessed with learning how to play the timbales, and after years of pestering my father, he decided to enroll me in private lessons at Harmony School. Luis Perico Ortiz gave me an ear training test and then showed me the drums, persuading me that I should learn the drums because it was a more complete instrument, and off I went. When it came time to choose a career path, I initially wanted to study communication because I have always admired radio communication, but fate would lead me back to music, so I attended the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico until Berklee College of Music offered me a full scholarship to finish my bachelor's degree. At Berklee, I had the privilege of performing, recording, and collaborating with many incredible artists from around the world, including Grammy winners Bill Whelan, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Javier Limon. I also had the pleasure of appearing in Alejandro Sanz's "La Musica No Se Toca" music video. I've had the pleasure and privilege of sharing the stage with well-known singers like as Gilberto Santarosa, Luis Enrique, Larry Harlow, Cheo Feliciano, Andy Montanez, Pedro Capo, Giovanny Hidalgo, Vico C, Annie Lennox, Willie Nelson, and many others over the years. But now it's my turn to step to the front of the stage and get you all moving on the dance floor. You'll be able to learn how all of these years of my musical experience have motivated me to share who I am in my debut album. I coupled all of my mentors' lessons with all of my newfound knowledge, as well as visualizing you dancing at one of my concerts, and I am confident that "You Will Like It" (Te Va Gustar).