Efraim Silva, President and Artistic Director of Ginga Brasileira, was born in Guaruja, Sao Paulo, Brazil. He was awarded state and federal certification as a professional musician and rhythmist, and he became Brazilian national champion of Capoeira in 1988. Efraim now teaches Capoeira for children and adults in the New Haven area, and has his own performing group, Ginga Brasileira, Inc., with which he performs in schools, universities and festivals all over the United States, Canada and Brazil.