Xabier Díaz: Galicia's Tambourine Maestro Captivating Audiences Worldwide

Xabier Díaz, a native of A Coruña in the Galician region of Spain, has carved out a remarkable career as a musician, captivating audiences worldwide with his mastery of the tambourine and his deep connection to the traditional music of his homeland. From his humble beginnings with a bagpipe gifted by his grandfather to his current status as a leading figure in Galician roots music, Díaz's journey has been one of unwavering passion and innovation.

Unlocking the Secrets of Galicia's Musical Heritage

Discovering the Allure of Traditional Music

Xabier Díaz's musical journey began with the gift of a bagpipe from his music-loving grandfather in the early 1980s. This instrument became a gateway for the young Díaz, opening up a world of traditional music that was still thriving in the villages of Galicia. As he delved deeper into this rich cultural heritage, Díaz found himself drawn to the rhythmic and emotive power of the tambourine, an instrument that would become the centerpiece of his musical expression.

Pioneering Galician Roots Music

Díaz's talent and dedication to traditional Galician music soon earned him recognition, and he became a member of the legendary progressive folk group Berrogüetto between 2008 and 2014. During this time, he also collaborated with other renowned Galician musicians, such as Guadi Galego, Xosé Lois Romero, and Guillerme Fernández, in the aCadaCanto project, releasing two acclaimed albums.

Mastering the Tambourine: An Iconic Instrument

One of the defining features of Xabier Díaz's musical persona is his virtuosic command of the tambourine. He has become renowned as a master of this hand-held percussion instrument, which has become an integral part of his musical identity. Díaz's skill and artistry with the tambourine have earned him widespread recognition and prestige, cementing his status as a leading figure in the Galician music scene.

Forging a New Path with the Adufeiras de Salitre

The Birth of a Groundbreaking Collaboration

In 2014, Xabier Díaz embarked on a new and exciting chapter in his career, joining forces with the female percussion and vocal ensemble Adufeiras de Salitre. This collaboration has been a testament to Díaz's commitment to preserving and reinvigorating the traditional music of Galicia. Together, they have released four albums that have captivated audiences around the world.

Bringing Galician Traditions to the Global Stage

The partnership between Xabier Díaz and the Adufeiras de Salitre has seen them perform close to 400 concerts, leaving an indelible mark on audiences from Buenos Aires to Oslo, Lisbon to Algiers, and beyond. Their music has transcended geographical boundaries, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Galicia to a global audience and earning them widespread acclaim.

Exploring the Silenced Cathedrals of Galicia

One of the most significant projects undertaken by Xabier Díaz and the Adufeiras de Salitre is the album "As Catedrais Silenciadas" (The Silenced Cathedrals), released in 2020. This complex and multifaceted work goes beyond the realm of music, delving into the abandoned regions of Galicia and the tangible and intangible heritage that has been left behind. The album's impact was profound, spending three months in the Top Ten of the World Music Charts Europe and winning the prestigious Martín Codax Award in the Traditional Music category.

Embracing Innovation and Preserving Tradition

Xabier Díaz's artistic journey is marked by a constant search for new ways to breathe life into the traditional music of Galicia. Always curious and innovative, he continues to explore and experiment, driven by a deep-rooted passion for the "ferreñas" (tambourine jingles) that first captivated him as a young man. Through his collaborations and solo work, Díaz has become a beacon of Galician roots music, inspiring audiences and preserving the rich cultural heritage of his homeland.