During the grand Srefidensi concert held at Rotterdam’s Concertgebouw De Doelen on Saturday, November 22, Stephan ‘Steve’ Ferrier was awarded for composing the most renowned Srefidensi anthem, ‘Kondre nomru wan,’ which has resonated for 50 years. The award was presented by Roy Khemradj, the organizer of the sold-out event attended by 1,750 guests. Rotterdam’s Mayor, Carola Schouten, graced the occasion as the guest of honor. This marked the first time Ferrier received a Surinamese accolade for his 13 Sranan-language songs, written after Prime Minister Henck Arron announced Suriname’s impending independence in February 1974. Ferrier is also celebrated for his contributions to the Sonora Paramarera repertoire, including classics like ‘Dji den Srananman,’ ‘Fet’ gi san yu e bribi,’ and ‘Gro e teki ten,’ which have become integral to Suriname’s musical identity. The audience erupted in thunderous applause as Ferrier proudly showcased his award during the intermission to Roy Chin A Pow, the business leader of Sonora Paramarera. The concert featured performances by Elroy Berkleef, who sang ‘Kondre nomru wan,’ and Muriel Blijd, who opened the event with ‘Mi Kondre Tru.’ Indigenous music by Towaporé Khonanon and performances by the Maroon group Kula Skoro added to the cultural richness. Notable artists like Powl Ameerali and Nisha Madaran, who performed her famous duet ‘Pyar hamara’ with John Oldenstam, were among the participants. The event also paid tribute to Suriname’s greatest kaseko singer, Lieve Hugo, through a multimedia performance. This concert echoed the first major Surinamese cultural event held at the same venue in March 1975, en route to the nation’s independence.