Melena

Melena studied ethnomusicology at UCLA, where she received her B.A. and M.A. degrees, graduating with honors. Her research was on “The Influence of Abakuá music in Cuban Rumba."  As a Cuban American percussionist and ethnomusicologist, her research and professional work are oriented to examine, perform, and expand the socio-cultural influences of the Afro Cuban heritage. Specifically,she concentrates on Abakuá rhythms and their impact on popular Cuban music. Melena states, "There is a general misconception that associates African diasporic religions with cultural stereotypes; however, throughout my research conducted in the field .I have been able to examine the significant ramifications of the Abakuá (Carabalie) rhythms on Cuban music and other contemporary manifestations such as jazz, salsa, etc."  Melena studied with scholars and musicians such as Seerafin "Tato" Quiñones, Lino Neira, Ramon Torres Zayas,  Frank "El Matodor" Oropesa, Juan Campos Cardenas "Chan" among others. She continues her studies independently in Havana, Cuba and conducts conerenes on Afro diasporic religious traditions of Cuba at Universities nationwide.