Newspaper Granma "Jazz Plaza: Diákara and Yemaya" (by Pedro de la Hoz, February 15,1996) Cuba drew attention of many people visiting from the United States, France, Holland, Mexico and Canada who came to participate in Jazz Plaza 1996. They were amazed by this country which gives birth to great musicians like spring water flowing from a fountain. The desire to elevate music to a new place led to the birth of Diákara. After more than two decades of highly acclaimed work with Irakere, Oscar Valdés, a great vocalist with a strikingly powerful voice, joined a project nurtured by his son Oscarito. In just a few months, this union has led the band through important developments. Now, Diákara is starting to realize its promise as a band. It has honed its own signature form and is ready to take any stage. The band wants to share its sound with music lovers around the world. People who can't get out of the habit of categorizing may see Diákara as a Cuban version of the hard be-bop style. But others may feel the group's sound is beyond such crude categorization. The group's core rhythm is elemental and offers a unique touch. Diákara is Cuba's new form of contemporary music. Oscar Valdés's father was among the more prominent percussionists of the 40's and 50's, so drumming is in Oscar's blood, and there is no doubt about his gift as a tamborero*. His talent is to combine percussions associated with religious hymns to jazz and popular music. This talent was handed down to his son Oscarito, who kept us spell bound with his great drum performances with his jazz band Afrocuba. *Tamborero - performer of percussions