ABOUT
Zayra Pola is a Puerto Rican singer, producer, and timbalera known as “The Queen of Timbal,” leading a powerful live salsa orchestra that blends Afro-Caribbean roots with modern stage energy. Her performances are defined by high-impact musicianship, commanding presence, and a deep connection to the audience.
A graduate of Berklee College of Music and the first female percussionist to receive a full scholarship, Zayra has collaborated with Grammy Award-winning artists and shared the stage with legends such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, and Cheo Feliciano.
She has performed on international stages and was featured in the Emmy Award-winning Banco Popular production “Salsa, Sabor y Evolución.” In 2024, she was honored as Rising Star by the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York.
As one of the few women leading a salsa orchestra from the timbales, Zayra Pola continues to redefine the role of female artists in Latin music, delivering a world-class live experience built for global stages.
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Berklee College of Music — Full Scholarship
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Collaborated and recorded with Grammy Award-winning artists including Bill Whelan and Terri Lyne Carrington
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Featured artist in the Emmy Award-winning Banco Popular production “Salsa, Sabor y Evolución”
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One of the only female timbal players leading a salsa orchestra worldwide
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International debut at Festival Toros y Salsa (France)
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Headlined the closing night of the San Sebastián Street Festival (Puerto Rico), 2026
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Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra (Tito Puente Centennial Tribute)
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National Puerto Rican Day Parade — Rising Star
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Performed with Gilberto Santa Rosa, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Cheo Feliciano, among others