 I
wake up to my last day in Santiago and can hardly believe it. The
time has flown. I have one more lesson with Reynaldo on the drums
scheduled for today and take a taxi down town. Driving through his
Barrio (district) I realise the place looks even harsher in daylight.
The big man gives me a warm welcome and we spend two hours drumming.
He is pleased with my progress.
Some
time later we go through to the lounge and chat to his wife Yusely
and two children. I ask Reynaldo to tell me a little about his life
and his feelings towards Cuba and the revolution. He was born and
raised as an only child in Santiago. His first encounter with the
drums didn’t happen till he was 21. However it was apparent
that he had rhythm in his blood and was soon teaching percussion
at the Escuella (School) Del Arte Jose Maria and Escuella Del Arte
Pepito Rey here in Santiago.
Rey
then goes on to tell me that he would love nothing more than for
his children to continue in his footsteps as percussionists. He
is passionate about his Afro Cuban heritage. And while he firmly
believes that Cuba is undoubtedly a Mecca for Afro Cuban music,
people should not forget that the true roots of this musical style
is inexorably tied to Africa. He cites Giovanni Hidalgo and Chanquito
as his favourite Conga players.
I then
ask him about the future of his beloved country and the famous revolution
44years on. Does he still believe in the socialist dream? Absolutely.
And what of the future, when their beloved leader Fidel castro retires?
"For me, the ideas will continue, as will the dreams and our
belief in a Socialist democracy."
Reynaldo
then asks if he can share the taxi with me. He gets changed and
we say goodbye to his wife and children. We arrive at the Parque
Cespedes and find somewhere to sit. He asks what my plans are when
I get back to England. I tell him that I need to find work. That
way I can come back in a years time. He suggests that I revisit
in July. This is the month of Carnival in Santiago and is full to
capacity with revellers from all over the world. I thank him for
the drumming lessons and take his address, promising to keep in
touch. We shake hands and say our farewells.
I walk
back to the Casa and pack one final time before heading off to catch
the Red Eye Express, the night train  to
Havana. I Thank Isabella and her husband for a lovely time and head
off into the night, sad but happy.
The
views expressed on this page are those of the contributor and the
opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the BBC.
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