分类： entertainment

Suriname marked a significant milestone in its history with the launch of the commemorative book ‘Onafhankelijk: 50 schrijvers over 50 jaar Srefidensi’ on Saturday at Spice Quest. The event brought together writers, guests, and enthusiasts to celebrate fifty years of Surinamese independence through this literary project. The initiative, conceived in September 2023 by editor Kevin Headley and publisher Menno Hartman (Uitgeverij Van Oorschot), builds on the success of the 2022 anthology ‘Prakseri,’ which exclusively featured Surinamese authors. The positive reception of ‘Prakseri,’ which provided writers with book contracts and visibility in Surinamese and Dutch media, inspired this more ambitious follow-up. ‘Onafhankelijk’ features fifty authors reflecting on five decades of independence through stories, essays, and opinion pieces, each offering a unique perspective. Headley, alongside Sylva Koemar of Schrijversgroep ’77, curated the contributions and oversaw the production process. During the launch, Headley emphasized the importance of amplifying Surinamese voices: ‘Suriname is often talked about, but rarely with Surinamese people. This anthology gives space to our own stories, insights, and visions for the future.’ The evening included presentations by five authors—Jerry Egger, Maggie Schmeitz, Nita Ramcharan, Audry Wajwakana, and Marciano Zalman—and concluded with a poem by Stefanie Parisius. The first copy of the book was presented to Dutch Ambassador Walter Oostelbos. ‘Onafhankelijk’ is a collaborative effort by Stichting Skrifi, Uitgeverij Van Oorschot, the editorial team, the writers, and all contributors, supported by the Dutch Literary Fund and the Dutch Embassy in Suriname. The book is now available in bookstores across the Netherlands and at Atlantis Books and More in Suriname.

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.