Cuba
Since the 1980s, from the streets of Havana, through secret, mystical texts to world music to the jazz clubs of New York, percussionist Roman Diaz has brought the rumba into our lives and become an unquestioned authority on Afro-Cuban music.
Diaz began as a member of the Yoruba Andabo ensemble, which was founded by the late Pancho Quinto, and played and recorded over the years with the world’s top artists. He recently participated in the Jazz 100 Project, a celebration in honor of the centennials of Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Mongo Santamaria, and Thelonious Monk.
The members of Agolona, Diaz’s ensemble, are Diaz himself (percussion and vocals), Melvis Santa (vocals, piano, and percussion), Onel Multe (saxophone, flute, percussion, and vocals), Rafael Monteagudo (percussion and vocals), Anier Alonso del Valle (percussion and vocals), and Jainardo Batista (vocals). In its Festival performance, Agolona will present its own unique repertoire, with a broad and deep sound that draws upon its tradition, presenting all the stations along the evolutionary journey of Afro-Cuban music.