(le) poisson rouge

Yayo Serka was born in Tierra del Fuego Chile, and began playing percussion for traditional Andean folk groups and jazz bands. He studied classical music at the Universidad Católica of Chile and in Cuba, where he attended music school for four years. During his time in Havana, Serka had the opportunity to work with renowned artists from the jass and Afro-Cuban music scene. After returning to Chile for two years, Serka settled in New York City working as an independent drummer in the downtown music scene in a variety of styles. He is currently the drummer/percussionist with Mexican pop singer Lila Downs and has also performed with Claudia Acuña, Bobby Watson, Frankie Paris, the Chico O'Farrill Orchestra, the gosplel choir of the Walker Memorial Baptist Group, and various rap and hip-hop artists.