Showing the connections between African drumming and black music throughout the Diaspora will be the theme of this weekend's Rhythmfest '99.

Drumming instructor Kevin Maybury, 60 students, and special guests will perform at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts and will present a variety of drum styles.

"It will be a chronology of rhythm styles from its source -- Africa,'' Mr.

Maybury said this week in between preparing for the concert. "My whole theme is that no matter where you come from in the Diaspora, our rhythmic heritage has an African foundation,'' he said. "The most prominent thing in our music is the beat.'' Mr. Maybury said the performers would bang out the story of the African Diaspora through its music and rhythms, down from traditional African music to today's Hip Hop. A strong believer in the role the arts should play in young people's lives, Mr. Maybury said knowing the connection between ancient African rhythms and the current reggae and hip hop made for more well rounded people.

"Kids who are in the arts excel in school,'' he said. "It refines the individual socially, spiritually, mentally and physically.'' He added: "There needs to be even more arts in the schools. Often those that don't have the opportunity to express themselves end up in trouble.'' The show will feature reggae artist Junior C, singers Deletta Gillespie, Sia Spence, and Truneh. Mr. Maybury himself will give a solo performance, but he said the highlight of the show would be "Timbales of Fire'' in which 50 of his students would perform.

"Parents get your cameras ready because this is going to be good,'' he said.

"It will feature more than a dozen Brazilian timbale drumming techniques.'' Mr. Maybury, 43, has been a professional drummer since he was 17 years old and has performed with a variety of showbiz lights like the Shirelles, Gene Steede, Jimmy O'Connor, and Jahstice.

Doors open at 3.30 p.m. while show time is at 4 p.m. Admission for children is $10 and for adults $15. Patron tickets are $20.

Tickets are available from True Reflections and 27th Century Boutique.