Diomedes Díaz
Encyclopedia
Diomedes de Jesús Díaz Maestre (born May 26, 1957 in the corregimiento
of La Junta
, La Guajira) is a Colombia
n vallenato
singer and composer. He is the most widely recognized performer of this musical genre. His well known El Cacique de la Junta was given early in his career by vallenato singer Rafael Orozco Maestre
in honor of his birthplace; La Junta.
Eventually Díaz' uncle decided to help him train his voice and compose songs; Díaz quickly mastered his vocal training and was invited to perform at parties. Eager to succeed, he moved to Valledupar
to work as a gardener. He also worked as a messenger and office boy for a local radio station, Radio Guatapuri, pursuing the opportunity to convince disc jockeys to play his future songs. Between 1974 and 1975, he got his first song recording deal with Jorge Quiróz and Luciano Poveda, a well known vallenato group; they recorded the song Cariñito de Mi Vida which put Díaz in the spotlight.
Díaz received invitations to more parties, gigs and reunions, and his voice captivated a new generation of fans. At the cultural week for a local high school, he met Rafael Orozco Maestre
, an emerging vallenato singer who would give Díaz his famous nickname El Cacique de La Junta.
After saving money, he recorded his first LP
with accordion player Nafer Duran, which was played on radio stations and catapulted Díaz to regional fame.
, Colombia
, when his friend and fan, Doris Adriana Niño, was killed. According to the Constitutional Court of Colombia, some people at the party, including Niño, were consuming drugs, but is not clear if she was involuntarily forced to take drugs or voluntarily used them. The report says that Niño was rape
d, and had an argument with a pregnant woman at the party, Luz Consuelo Martínez. Niño died that night and her body appeared on the outskirts of Bogotá, near the Village of San Onofre, municipality of Combita (Boyacá Department
).
. On August 11, 2000, a judge ordered Díaz transferred to jail, considering that his illness had been considerably overcome, but when authorities went to his house to complete the transfer, Díaz had escaped and given refuge by Illegal paramilitary groups
headed by Rodrigo Tovar
.
During the trial, Díaz was tried as an "absent inmate"; the judge concluded that Niño had a great amount of drugs the night she died, but the Attorney General's Office determined that her death had been caused by a provoked asphyxia
tion. The Colombian Bureau of Legal Medicine determined that she had died from pressure put over her mouth and nose.
On August 20, 2002, after a year and a half of evading house arrest, Díaz turned himself in to authorities in Valledupar
, accompanied by two of his lawyers. On August 21, 2002 a Colombian Superior Tribunal reduced his jail term from 144 to 37 months; Niño's family protested that the sentence was too low. He had already spent a year in jail and had two years pending before his escape.
According to the trial, Díaz did not commit an unintentional homicide (homicidio preterintencional), in which the aggressor wants to induce damage but ends up causing death as the previous judge had ruled. Instead it was determined that he had committed a "mea culpa homicide" (homicidio culposo), which according to Colombian law, is a less severe unintentional homicide.
vetoed all shows of Diomedes Diaz in the city after Diaz allegedly consumed cocaine while performing on stage. Although video images proved the contrary, the Cali City Hall issued a notice in which notified all entertainment businessmen that the government was not going to issue any permits for the use of public areas where Diaz would be scheduled to appear. The incident was considered a warning by the local administration to other performers.
. According to the businessman Johnny Bennedetti who hired Diaz, the singer did not show up for the event, causing the public to turn into a mob that almost completely destroyed the place known as "La Tremenda" in east Santa Marta.
According to Diaz' publicist José Sequeda, the people in charge of the event did not deliver on time the full payment of the artist as had been established in the contract. He also added that he had given Diaz part of the money as initial payment.
As a result there were 25 microphones stolen, sound system equipment damaged, liquor and money also stolen.
Corregimiento
Corregimiento is a term used in Colombia to define a subdivision of Colombian departments. According to the Colombian Constitution of 1991 and Decree 2274 of October 4, 1991, Corregimiento is an internal part of a Department or province, which includes a population core...
of La Junta
San Juan del Cesar
San Juan del Cesar is a municipality and town located in the La Guajira Department, Colombia.-Etymology:San Juan Bautista del Cesar name in and Chet-tzar or Sasare indigenous language for calm water, the name of the Cesar River.-History:...
, La Guajira) is a Colombia
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
n vallenato
Vallenato
Vallenato, along with cumbia, is currently a popular folk music of Colombia. It primarily comes from the Colombia's Caribbean region. Vallenato literally means "born in the valley". The valley influencing this name is located between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Serranía de Perijá in...
singer and composer. He is the most widely recognized performer of this musical genre. His well known El Cacique de la Junta was given early in his career by vallenato singer Rafael Orozco Maestre
Rafael Orozco Maestre
Rafael Orozco Maestre, was a Colombian singer of vallenato music. He was one of the major representatives of that Colombian popular folk music and lead singer and owner, along fellow accordionist Israel Romero, of the vallenato group Binomio de Oro de América, very popular in Colombia, Mexico and...
in honor of his birthplace; La Junta.
Early years
Diomedes was born and raised on a farm called "Carrizal" on the outskirts of La Junta; his father, Rafael Maria Díaz, and his mother, Elvira Maestre, were very poor, something that Diomedes always sought to change. His childhood was spent helping his parents and eight brothers with farm duties, while he was musically influenced by his locally renowned uncle, Martin Elias. His friends nicknamed him El Chivato ("the little goat"), making fun of his young vibrating voice; he became part of the attraction for every party in the house.Eventually Díaz' uncle decided to help him train his voice and compose songs; Díaz quickly mastered his vocal training and was invited to perform at parties. Eager to succeed, he moved to Valledupar
Valledupar
Valledupar is a city and municipality in northeastern Colombia. It is the capital of Cesar Department and was founded in 1550 by the Spanish conquistador Hernando de Santana. Its name, Valle de Upar , was established in honor of the Amerindian cacique who ruled the valley; Cacique Upar...
to work as a gardener. He also worked as a messenger and office boy for a local radio station, Radio Guatapuri, pursuing the opportunity to convince disc jockeys to play his future songs. Between 1974 and 1975, he got his first song recording deal with Jorge Quiróz and Luciano Poveda, a well known vallenato group; they recorded the song Cariñito de Mi Vida which put Díaz in the spotlight.
Díaz received invitations to more parties, gigs and reunions, and his voice captivated a new generation of fans. At the cultural week for a local high school, he met Rafael Orozco Maestre
Rafael Orozco Maestre
Rafael Orozco Maestre, was a Colombian singer of vallenato music. He was one of the major representatives of that Colombian popular folk music and lead singer and owner, along fellow accordionist Israel Romero, of the vallenato group Binomio de Oro de América, very popular in Colombia, Mexico and...
, an emerging vallenato singer who would give Díaz his famous nickname El Cacique de La Junta.
After saving money, he recorded his first LP
Gramophone record
A gramophone record, commonly known as a phonograph record , vinyl record , or colloquially, a record, is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove...
with accordion player Nafer Duran, which was played on radio stations and catapulted Díaz to regional fame.
Homicide
The night of May 14 and early morning May 15, 1997, Díaz was having a party in his apartment in BogotáBogotá
Bogotá, Distrito Capital , from 1991 to 2000 called Santa Fé de Bogotá, is the capital, and largest city, of Colombia. It is also designated by the national constitution as the capital of the department of Cundinamarca, even though the city of Bogotá now comprises an independent Capital district...
, Colombia
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
, when his friend and fan, Doris Adriana Niño, was killed. According to the Constitutional Court of Colombia, some people at the party, including Niño, were consuming drugs, but is not clear if she was involuntarily forced to take drugs or voluntarily used them. The report says that Niño was rape
Rape
Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse, which is initiated by one or more persons against another person without that person's consent. The act may be carried out by physical force, coercion, abuse of authority or with a person who is incapable of valid consent. The...
d, and had an argument with a pregnant woman at the party, Luz Consuelo Martínez. Niño died that night and her body appeared on the outskirts of Bogotá, near the Village of San Onofre, municipality of Combita (Boyacá Department
Boyacá Department
Boyacá is one of the 32 Departments of Colombia, and the remnant of one of the original nine states of the "United States of Colombia".Boyacá is centrally located within Colombia, almost entirely within the mountains of the Eastern Cordillera to the border with Venezuela, although the western end...
).
Legal proceedings
Díaz was captured by order of the Attorney general's office on October 3, 1997, and was conceded house arrest after proving that he had Guillain-Barré syndromeGuillain-Barré syndrome
Guillain–Barré syndrome , sometimes called Landry's paralysis, is an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy , a disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system. Ascending paralysis, weakness beginning in the feet and hands and migrating towards the trunk, is the most typical symptom...
. On August 11, 2000, a judge ordered Díaz transferred to jail, considering that his illness had been considerably overcome, but when authorities went to his house to complete the transfer, Díaz had escaped and given refuge by Illegal paramilitary groups
United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia
The United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia was created as an umbrella organization of regional far-right...
headed by Rodrigo Tovar
Rodrigo Tovar Pupo
Rodrigo Tovar Pupo, was born in Valledupar, Colombia. He was the leader of the Northern Bloc of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia...
.
During the trial, Díaz was tried as an "absent inmate"; the judge concluded that Niño had a great amount of drugs the night she died, but the Attorney General's Office determined that her death had been caused by a provoked asphyxia
Asphyxia
Asphyxia or asphyxiation is a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from being unable to breathe normally. An example of asphyxia is choking. Asphyxia causes generalized hypoxia, which primarily affects the tissues and organs...
tion. The Colombian Bureau of Legal Medicine determined that she had died from pressure put over her mouth and nose.
On August 20, 2002, after a year and a half of evading house arrest, Díaz turned himself in to authorities in Valledupar
Valledupar
Valledupar is a city and municipality in northeastern Colombia. It is the capital of Cesar Department and was founded in 1550 by the Spanish conquistador Hernando de Santana. Its name, Valle de Upar , was established in honor of the Amerindian cacique who ruled the valley; Cacique Upar...
, accompanied by two of his lawyers. On August 21, 2002 a Colombian Superior Tribunal reduced his jail term from 144 to 37 months; Niño's family protested that the sentence was too low. He had already spent a year in jail and had two years pending before his escape.
According to the trial, Díaz did not commit an unintentional homicide (homicidio preterintencional), in which the aggressor wants to induce damage but ends up causing death as the previous judge had ruled. Instead it was determined that he had committed a "mea culpa homicide" (homicidio culposo), which according to Colombian law, is a less severe unintentional homicide.
Criticism of trial
Doris' family, specially her brother Rodrigo, indignated, criticized the lenient treatment given to Díaz by authorities as he expressed in his statements after Díaz turn himself in:Scandal in Cali
On November 22, 2005 the local government of CaliCalì
Calì, also written in English as Cali, is an Italian surname, widespread mainly in the Ionian side of Sicily.For the surname Calì is assumed the origin of the Greek word kalos , or from its Sanskrit root kali, "time."The surname refers to:...
vetoed all shows of Diomedes Diaz in the city after Diaz allegedly consumed cocaine while performing on stage. Although video images proved the contrary, the Cali City Hall issued a notice in which notified all entertainment businessmen that the government was not going to issue any permits for the use of public areas where Diaz would be scheduled to appear. The incident was considered a warning by the local administration to other performers.
Scandal in Santa Marta
On February 22, 2006, Diaz was scheduled to sing in the city of Santa MartaSanta Marta
Santa Marta is the capital city of the Colombian department of Magdalena in the Caribbean Region. It was founded in July 29, 1525 by the Spanish conqueror Rodrigo de Bastidas, which makes it the oldest remaining city in Colombia...
. According to the businessman Johnny Bennedetti who hired Diaz, the singer did not show up for the event, causing the public to turn into a mob that almost completely destroyed the place known as "La Tremenda" in east Santa Marta.
According to Diaz' publicist José Sequeda, the people in charge of the event did not deliver on time the full payment of the artist as had been established in the contract. He also added that he had given Diaz part of the money as initial payment.
As a result there were 25 microphones stolen, sound system equipment damaged, liquor and money also stolen.
Discography
- 1976 Herencia VallenataHerencia Vallenata (album)Herencia Vallenata was the first album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1976 featuring accordion player Nafer Duran.-Track listing:# El Chanchullito# Teresita# La Invitacion# Herencia Vallenata# Recuerdo de la Montaña# Laura...
, featuring Nafer Duran. - 1976 Tres CancionesTres Canciones (album)Tres Canciones was the second album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1976 featuring accordion player Elberto Lopez.-Track list:# Cristina Isabel # Celos con rabia...
, featuring Edelberto Lopez. - 1977 De FrenteDe Frente (album)De Frente was the third album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1977 featuring accordion player Elberto Lopez.-Track list:# El aguinaldo # La despedida # Frente a mi...
, featuring Edelberto Lopez. - 1978 La LocuraLa Locura (album)La Locura was the fourth album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1978 featuring accordion player Juancho Rois.-Track list:# El alma de un acordeón # La piedrecita...
, featuring Juancho RoisJuancho RoisJuan Humberto Rois Zuñiga: popularly known as Juancho Rois and nicknamed El Conejo . He was born on December 25, 1958 in San Juan del Cesar, La Guajira and died November 21, 1994 in Anzoátegui, Venezuela). Juan was a Colombian vallenato musician, accordionist, and composer.-References:...
. - 1979 Dos GrandesDos Grandes (album)Dos Grandes was the fifth album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1979 featuring accordion player Colacho Mendoza.-Track list:# El gavilán mayor # Señor gerente...
, featuring Colacho MendozaColacho MendozaNicolas Elias Mendoza Daza, also known as Colacho Mendoza was a Colombian Vallenato accordion player and was crowned king of accordion players on many occasions in the Vallenato Legend Festival. He was born in a small village called Sabanas de Manuela in the municipality of Barrancas, La Guajira...
. - 1979 Los ProfesionalesLos Profesionales (album)Los Profesionales was the sixth album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1979 featuring accordion player Colacho Mendoza.# El profesional # El limoncito # Penas de un soldado...
, featuring Colacho MendozaColacho MendozaNicolas Elias Mendoza Daza, also known as Colacho Mendoza was a Colombian Vallenato accordion player and was crowned king of accordion players on many occasions in the Vallenato Legend Festival. He was born in a small village called Sabanas de Manuela in the municipality of Barrancas, La Guajira...
. - 1980 Tu SerenataTu Serenata (album)Tu Serenata was the seventh album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1980 featuring accordion player Colacho Mendoza.01. Tu serenata 02. El palomo 03. Fantasia...
, featuring Colacho MendozaColacho MendozaNicolas Elias Mendoza Daza, also known as Colacho Mendoza was a Colombian Vallenato accordion player and was crowned king of accordion players on many occasions in the Vallenato Legend Festival. He was born in a small village called Sabanas de Manuela in the municipality of Barrancas, La Guajira...
. - 1980 Para Mi FanaticadaPara Mi Fanaticada (album)Para mi Fanaticada was the eighth album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1980 featuring accordion player Colacho Mendoza.01. Para mi fanaticada 02. Mi casa risueña...
, featuring Colacho MendozaColacho MendozaNicolas Elias Mendoza Daza, also known as Colacho Mendoza was a Colombian Vallenato accordion player and was crowned king of accordion players on many occasions in the Vallenato Legend Festival. He was born in a small village called Sabanas de Manuela in the municipality of Barrancas, La Guajira...
. - 1981 Con Mucho EstiloCon Mucho Estilo (album)Con Mucho Estilo was the ninth album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Díaz in 1981 featuring accordion player Colacho Mendoza.#Lo mismo me da #El invencible #Un detalle...
, featuring Colacho MendozaColacho MendozaNicolas Elias Mendoza Daza, also known as Colacho Mendoza was a Colombian Vallenato accordion player and was crowned king of accordion players on many occasions in the Vallenato Legend Festival. He was born in a small village called Sabanas de Manuela in the municipality of Barrancas, La Guajira...
. - 1982 Todo es para tiTodo es para ti (album)Todo es para ti was the tenth album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1982 featuring accordion player Colacho Mendoza.-Track list:# Todo es para ti # Bajo el palmar...
, featuring Colacho MendozaColacho MendozaNicolas Elias Mendoza Daza, also known as Colacho Mendoza was a Colombian Vallenato accordion player and was crowned king of accordion players on many occasions in the Vallenato Legend Festival. He was born in a small village called Sabanas de Manuela in the municipality of Barrancas, La Guajira...
. - 1983 CantandoCantando (album)Cantando was the eleventh album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1983 featuring accordion player Colacho Mendoza.1. Esperanza2. El Medallón3. Cantando4. Por Amor a Dios5. Alma Enamorada6. Te Necesito7. Paisana Mía8. Myriam...
, featuring Colacho MendozaColacho MendozaNicolas Elias Mendoza Daza, also known as Colacho Mendoza was a Colombian Vallenato accordion player and was crowned king of accordion players on many occasions in the Vallenato Legend Festival. He was born in a small village called Sabanas de Manuela in the municipality of Barrancas, La Guajira...
. - 1984 El MundoEl Mundo (album)El Mundo was the 12th album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1983 featuring accordion player Colacho Mendoza.Track Listing:# Felicidad Perdida - 4:08# Por Amor - 3:20# Hombre Parrandero - 3:24# Hoy Me Voy - 3:15...
, featuring Colacho MendozaColacho MendozaNicolas Elias Mendoza Daza, also known as Colacho Mendoza was a Colombian Vallenato accordion player and was crowned king of accordion players on many occasions in the Vallenato Legend Festival. He was born in a small village called Sabanas de Manuela in the municipality of Barrancas, La Guajira...
. - 1985 VallenatoVallenato (album)Vallenato was the 13th album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1985 featuring accordion player Cocha Molina.1. Dos claveles2. Alma Herida3. Camina4. Vuelve Conmigo5. La Escoba Nueva6. Mi Único Consuelo7. Algo de tu Parte...
, featuring Cocha Molina. - 1986 Brindo con el AlmaBrindo con el Alma (album)Brindo con el Alma was the 14th album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1986 featuring accordion player Cocha Molina.1. Sin Medir Distancias2. Los Sabanales3. Ayúdame A Quererte4. El Inventario5. Cuando Me Voy6. Brindo Con El Alma...
, featuring Cocha Molina. - 1987 InconteniblesIncontenibles (album)Incontenibles was the 15th album recorded by vallenato singer Diomedes Diaz in 1987 featuring accordion player Cocha Molina.1. Si te Vas te Olvido2. Capullito3. Por No Perderte4. Honda Herida5. Tú Y La Gente6. No Pierdo La Fe7. La Excusa...
, featuring Cocha Molina. - 1988 Gano el Folclor, featuring Juancho RoisJuancho RoisJuan Humberto Rois Zuñiga: popularly known as Juancho Rois and nicknamed El Conejo . He was born on December 25, 1958 in San Juan del Cesar, La Guajira and died November 21, 1994 in Anzoátegui, Venezuela). Juan was a Colombian vallenato musician, accordionist, and composer.-References:...
. - 1989 El Condor Herido, featuring Juancho RoisJuancho RoisJuan Humberto Rois Zuñiga: popularly known as Juancho Rois and nicknamed El Conejo . He was born on December 25, 1958 in San Juan del Cesar, La Guajira and died November 21, 1994 in Anzoátegui, Venezuela). Juan was a Colombian vallenato musician, accordionist, and composer.-References:...
. - 1990 Canta Conmigo, featuring Juancho RoisJuancho RoisJuan Humberto Rois Zuñiga: popularly known as Juancho Rois and nicknamed El Conejo . He was born on December 25, 1958 in San Juan del Cesar, La Guajira and died November 21, 1994 in Anzoátegui, Venezuela). Juan was a Colombian vallenato musician, accordionist, and composer.-References:...
. - 1991 Mi Vida Musical, featuring Juancho RoisJuancho RoisJuan Humberto Rois Zuñiga: popularly known as Juancho Rois and nicknamed El Conejo . He was born on December 25, 1958 in San Juan del Cesar, La Guajira and died November 21, 1994 in Anzoátegui, Venezuela). Juan was a Colombian vallenato musician, accordionist, and composer.-References:...
. - 1992 EL Regreso del Condor, featuring Juancho RoisJuancho RoisJuan Humberto Rois Zuñiga: popularly known as Juancho Rois and nicknamed El Conejo . He was born on December 25, 1958 in San Juan del Cesar, La Guajira and died November 21, 1994 in Anzoátegui, Venezuela). Juan was a Colombian vallenato musician, accordionist, and composer.-References:...
. - 1993 Titulo de Amor, featuring Juancho RoisJuancho RoisJuan Humberto Rois Zuñiga: popularly known as Juancho Rois and nicknamed El Conejo . He was born on December 25, 1958 in San Juan del Cesar, La Guajira and died November 21, 1994 in Anzoátegui, Venezuela). Juan was a Colombian vallenato musician, accordionist, and composer.-References:...
. - 1994 26 de Mayo, featuring Juancho RoisJuancho RoisJuan Humberto Rois Zuñiga: popularly known as Juancho Rois and nicknamed El Conejo . He was born on December 25, 1958 in San Juan del Cesar, La Guajira and died November 21, 1994 in Anzoátegui, Venezuela). Juan was a Colombian vallenato musician, accordionist, and composer.-References:...
. - 1995 Un Canto Celestial, featuring Ivan Zuleta.
- 1996 Muchas Gracias, featuring Ivan Zuleta
- 1997 Mi Biografia, featuring Ivan Zuleta.
- 1998 Volver a Vivir, featuring Ivan Zuleta.
- 1999 Experiencias Vividas, featuring Franco Arguelles.
- 2002 Gracias a Dios, featuring Cocha Molina.
- 2003 Pidiendo Via, featuring Juan Mario De la Espriella.
- 2005 De Nuevo Con Mi Gente, featuring Franco Arguelles.
- 2007 La VozLa Voz (Album)La Voz is the debut solo album by Héctor Lavoe, It was released on 1975 under the label of Fania Records.It had two major hits on Latin America and U.S.A: "El Todopoderoso" and "Mi Gente".-Track listing:#"El Todopoderoso" - 4:23...
, featuring accordion player Ivan Zuleta. - 2009 celebremos juntos
- 2009 Listo Pa' la foto
Famous quotes
- "Sobre mi la ropa... y las moscas por imprudentes" (Over me, my clothes... and the flies being imprudent)
- "¡Con mucho gusto!" (With pleasure!)
- "Se las dejo ahí" ("I'll leave it there")
- "O se hace bien o no se hace na' " ("Its done well or not done at all")
- De Jesucristo pa' aca que vivan las mujeres, las que nos ponen a trabaja.
- "Vivan los hombres, vivos o muertos, pero VIVAN LOS HOMBRES, los dueños de las mujeres!?"
- "Luis Alfredo Sierra, el hombre que sopla las F-100"
- "Compadrito Henry Daniel, lo quiero muuuuucho"
- "La demora me perjudica"