"The Evolution of Drums" (by Tomás Jimero Díaz, in 1995 or 1996) We are just around the corner before the end of the century, and the music world is filled with hi-tech electric sound, seekers of different music, and newly developed sound effecters. Yet, precisely because some feel adrift amid this ever-shifting musical cacophony, Groupo Diákara offers its own brand of Cuban music as dance music and as live performance. Most of group members are very young and undoubtedly sincere, but also appear recklessly determined. Will this mind-blowing intensity result in enormous popularity or tear the band apart? While aware of this risk, band members make a point of living large and are not afraid of losing anything. "Will you keep living on the edge?" "Of course, why would we not?" Oscar Valdés' presence and leadership underpins Diákara's music, which is exuberant with rhythm. Talented percussionists and skilled musicians have turned the purest portion of the splendid values of traditional Cuban popular music into a new form. Diákara doesn't play just to make people dance. The band's ambitions go much far. Its lyrics-rather than relying on the standard pop music repertory-express the thoughts and feelings of the Cuban people in many forms. The lyrics are an intelligent combination of words and phrases rich with feeling that draw on the writings of Afro-Cuban culture, history, and traditions. Oscarito Valdés' talents lie not only in percussion and drums, but also in music arrangement. He applies different rhythm combinations and sound tones that differentiate Diákara from other groups. The driving force and signature of Diákara's music is its rhythm. We feel this suggests there are many different arrangements that can be used for different genres, styles, and forms of music. We believe those who pay close attention to Diákara's multi-layered rhythm, melody, tone, and harmony will be rewarded when listening to the band's music. Now it is your turn to make the choice. Diákara evolves with the evolution of percussions.