Yamil Conga

Frank Ray /Educator

Yamil Conga is a trailblazing percussionist whose unique style blends the rhythms of Puerto Rico with unexpected genres, such as country music. Born in Puerto Rico and now based in Nashville, Yamil's musical journey is deeply influenced by his father, Eladio Jimenez, a Fania singer-songwriter, and by iconic salsa musicians like Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, and Giovanni Hidalgo. His drumming is also shaped by his exposure to gospel bands and jazz training with Nick Forte.

Notably, Yamil was one of the first Puerto Ricans to perform country music in Nashville and is among the few congueros to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. With an eight-year tenure as the drummer for the band Unspoken and currently serving as the drumming DJ for artist Frank Ray, Yamil continues to bring his distinctive, emotional, and innovative percussion to the music scene. For him, drumming is more than just an art form—it's a lifeline, blending personal expression with a universal rhythm that connects us all.

Yamil
Conga's
IN 3

Yamil Conga's
IN 3

  • WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

    As I stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage, the weight of the moment hit me. I remember the state manager telling me, "5 minutes," and walking up to see my percussion set up perfectly during a commercial break. When the show went live, I was surrounded by flawless sound, the music crisp in my ears, and the energy of the audience filling the air. The roar of the crowd cheering for the band was electrifying, and I looked to the side stage to see fellow musicians applauding and rooting for me. It was a life-changing moment—one that made me realize the true power and magic of live music. What an incredible experience to be part of such an iconic stage in country music!

  • WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRUMMERS

    My creativity is fueled by nostalgia—a desire to keep the sounds pure, grounded in the music that shaped me. I'm driven by the musical upbringing I had, watching the pioneers who made country, hip hop, and Latin music unforgettable. I’m inspired by their legacy, but my focus is on the history of my instrument—the conga drum. I want to safeguard its heritage, preserving the essence of what it represents. At the same time, I’m passionate about pushing boundaries, bringing the conga into new, uncharted spaces where it’s rarely seen. My goal is to honor its roots while taking it to places where it’s never been before. Blending tradition with innovation makes my work not only a tribute to the past but also a stepping stone for the future of percussion.

  • FAVORITE ZILDJIAN CYMBAL/COMBO

    When I first began playing drums in the inner city, we always had a collection of mismatched, worn-out sticks. Despite their different sizes and years of use, they all felt the same. I didn't speak English at the time, but one thing that stuck with me was the name Vic Firth. Over the years, that brand became embedded in my mind. For my 13th birthday, I asked my mom for a new pair of drumsticks, not knowing exactly how to explain my preference. To my surprise, she bought me a brand-new pair of Vic Firth 7A nylon-tip sticks—without me ever mentioning the brand. It felt like fate. From that moment, Vic Firth has been the only brand of sticks I’ve ever used, and it’s been a part of my musical journey ever since.

Yamil Conga’S GO-TO’S

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