Melena, born in Havana Cuba, is a multi-talented percussionist and educator on Afro Cuban music history. She studied ethnomusicology at UCLA, where she received her B.A. and M.A. degrees, graduating with honors. She has toured and recorded with legendary artists such as: Barry White, Stevie Wonder, Julio Iglesias, Macy Gray, Chucho Valdes & Irakere, Francisco Aguabella, Ray de La Paz, Chino Nunez, Peru Negro, Eva Ayllone, Oscar Hernandez and more. Melena conducts master classes nationally and internationally. In 2016, Melena recorded with Cuba’s national treasure Septeto Nacional de Ignacio Piñeiro, making history to be the first female instrumentalist to ever record and perform with the Septeto Nacional since their founding in 1927. Melena also fronts her own Afro Cuban Jazz and Salsa band performing at festivals worldwide. Melena is rightfully recognized as one of the most accomplished and proficient female percussionists in the Latin music community.
