by Steven Seedo
PARAMARIBO — The theater tour in connection with the thirty-year anniversary of Naks Kawina-Kaseko Loco is going well so far. After successful performances in Rotterdam and Arnhem, the audience’s reactions have been positive, the organization says the True Time. Not only the music, but especially the story behind the legendary band makes an impression.
The special thing about the performance is the combination of stories about Loco with live performances of well-known hits. The audience not only gets to hear the familiar music, but is also taken into the history, vision and development of the band.
“We are happy to be able to share the band’s legacy with a large audience in this way”
According to Nancy Lodik, PR woman of the Naks Netherlands foundation, there is a lot of recognition and nostalgia among the public. “They miss the old sound of Loco, especially the kawina. It’s nostalgic.”
At the same time, the approach is experienced as innovative. “They like the concept, because they know it here in Suriname.community not. We are a trendsetter with this concept,” says Lodik.
According to her, visitors are impressed by the story and believe that the concept deserves to be followed. “They basically say that every Surinamese band should tell its story.”
Audience dances
Although the performance takes place in a theater, sitting still proves difficult for many visitors. During the performances, people stand up to dance and some even walk all the way to the front. Even after the performance in Arnhem, the need for more became apparent. “People wanted more. They didn’t have enough,” says Lodik enthusiastically.
The performances conclude with well-known Loco hits such as ‘Pooti Uma’, ‘Kaka Tjen Tjen’ and ‘Koko Gowtu’. Carlos, Stoffie, Pila, Norma and Ali are all received enthusiastically.
Legacy
After Rotterdam and Arnhem, the company went to Amsterdam on Sunday (today) with a performance in Het Concertgebouw. The performance will follow on Monday in Theater De Meervaart. Initially this was to take place in Utrecht, but due to a lengthy renovation of the theater’s wall, the location was changed to De Meervaart. The tour will conclude on September 20 at the Royal Theater in The Hague.
For the Naks Nederland foundation, the tour is not just about music, but mainly about passing on the legacy of Naks Kawina-Kaseko Loco. “We are happy that we can share the band’s legacy with a large audience in this way. It allows people to know that the band is more than just music.”
According to the organization, the strategy, vision, creativity and innovation of Naks Kawina-Kaseko Loco, but also the development of its own kaseko and kawina style and the mutual brotherhood, were important ingredients for the band’s success. That legacy continues to inspire new generations, both in Suriname and the Netherlands.
A tour in your own country has not been ruled out. The organization is currently investigating the possibilities. “As soon as there is more clarity about shows in Suriname, we will announce this immediately.”
