Gina Ferrera began studying rudimentary drumming at the age of ten. While pursuing a degree in video/audio production, she was introduced to ancient African music. For the past eight years Gina has made two independent research trips to Ghana to study gyil (xylophone) with Kakraba Lobi, Bernard Woma, and Valerie Naranjo.

Gina is an American delving into the music of far removed cultures. In addition to researching and performing gyil music, Ferrera studies ancient Cuban, Nigerian, Ghanaian and Zimbabwean music, playing bata drums, shekere, congas, Shona mbira (thumb piano) and traditional Ewe drums. Ferrera has also recorded and toured internationally (U.K., Europe, U.S., Scandanavia & Canada) playing drum-set, percussion and singing with Kokolo, Leana Song, Alokli Ensemble and Sunkwa.

Gina has recorded five albums fusing the gyil with other “World Music” elements. The latest recording of “Gina Ferrera & GYIL FUSION”, commingles global music and has brought together a production team of thirty of Philadelphia's most talented and innovative musicians.

Gina currently teaches gyil with department of African Music and Dance, at Swathmore College. “Gina's Gyil and World Music Magic” is an educational program model, founded by Gina in 2003, to offer youth and children, exposure to artistic and cultural music expression, with a traditional foundation.

Photo by Valerie Frossard

Click Here for Gina's current Resume.

Click Here for Gina's full Discography.