Zeva started playing drums in Jamaica where she fell in love with Niyambinghi (and other Afro-Caribbean) rhythms. After returning to Miami in 1993, she performed with local reggae bands (including the infamous, Johnny Dread) until she discovered the magic of the djembe. As part of the cultural organization, Journey to Africa (under the direction of Cedric Im Brooks), Zeva helped bring the music of Africa into various South Florida communities. Her study and performance of traditional West African rhythms continued with djembefola, Andre Crosby (of Trinidad & Tobago) in Nankama 2000. She is grateful to have come across the path of many wonderful teachers including Tra-Bi Lizie, Bli-Bi Gore, Abou Sylla, Mominatu Camara, Joe Zeytoonian, Corina Fitch, Jan Sebon!, Saidouba Camara, & Professor Slap.

One of Zeva’s greatest joys has been to teach African music to children which she has done as a drum instructor for the non-profit organization, Harambee, Inc., and as an accompanist for Urgent, Inc.’s annual Rites of Passage program. She continues working with youth as an accompanist for African dance classes at the Hollywood Arts Academy as well as the Body Soul Academy. In 2000, Zeva was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Guinea, West Africa to study the djembe in its native context with L’Ensemble Symphonique Traditionelle de Guinee (directed by Sekouba Camara). As an accompanist and soloist, Zeva has performed with various dance and theatre companies including Black Door Dance, Oriki Theatre, New World School of Arts, Mundo Vibe, Delou Africa, Re-Create & Move, and Takada Women’s Ensemble. Currently, she plays lead djembe for Children of Kuumba (directed by Anita MacBeth) and The Roots and Culture Dance Ensemble (directed by Sister Penny).

Zeva realized a long-term dream in 2004 when she founded Venus Rising: Women’s Drum & Dance Ensemble. Her group of talented women percussionists and dancers perform West African, Caribbean and Middle-Eastern music and dance.