It was not an explosive number of visitors during the showcase ‘Use what you have’ by Kraka Poku Tori at the Conservatory of Suriname. But those who were there seemed satisfied. Adiël de Mees, who normally does not opt for these types of events, tells the True Time that it is her first time at this event. “But I’m glad I chose something different this year. I usually go to ‘Museumn8’. I’ll come again next year,” she sounds enthusiastic.
Text Sharon Singh
Sculpture Kraka
It was a music event on Saturday where different musical styles came together and young artists had the opportunity to present their work. The showcase, which took place on the second day of Kraka Poku Tori, concluded two days of panel discussions, workshops and meetings between artists and other people from the music industry.
“I really feel at home at Kraka“
Wolf Premcharan
For the organization, the Conservatory of Suriname, that stage is only part of the goal. Kraka Poku Tori also wants to help artists gain knowledge, make contacts and develop further.
Immerse yourself in music
Director Charmain Belfor looks back with satisfaction on this second edition. On October 16, panel discussions and Kraka Connect were on the program at Buitensociëteit Het Park. The next day, participants were allowed to experience the showcase of performances at the Conservatory. From 2027, the Conservatory of Suriname not only wants to organize an annual showcase, but also offer activities throughout the year.
According to Belfor, the two panel discussions made it clear that there are still plenty of topics that deserve further discussion and dialogue. Into the workshops songwriting and song production also offered participants the opportunity to delve into the creative process behind music.
The organization received more than twenty entries for the showcase. Because the program lasted only a few hours, only one selection could perform. The core team, including Jamie Reso, Dwayne Weltevreden and Dutch partner Brut, made the choice based on information and videos that artists had submitted via a registration link. There were no auditions, but prior to the showcase a teach-in took place where artists performed and received feedback.
Scarecrow Gang
One of the acts on Saturday was Scarecrow Gang, consisting of Javier Ronowongso from Paramaribo and Scott Achee from Commewijne. Their music is a mix of underground genres, where they do not want to commit themselves to one style. “We don’t have a fixed genre. We just make what feels good and sounds good,” says Achee the True Time.
The road to their collaboration started with Ronowongso, who has been writing for some time. During the corona period he started making music with an app on his smartphone. In 2022 he heard music by Achee and recognized a style close to his own. He approached him via Facebook and that contact led to collaboration.
The two draw their inspiration from underground music (trap metal and trip hop). For Achee, the freedom to combine different styles is important. The duo does not want to stay within one genre and also looks for their own sound during live performances. Achee calls the energy that he and his partner can convey on stage one of their greatest strengths.
It was Scarecrow Gang’s first participation in Kraka. Last year the two were late in registering. The experience of their friend and fellow artist MenorBoy motivated them to participate this year.
Through the platform, MenorBoy was given the opportunity to further develop in the Netherlands, follow workshops and work with producer TK808 on six tracks for his mixtape. Scarecrow Gang also hopes to gain new experiences and contacts through Kraka and to continue to grow as an artist.
Wolf Premcharan
Wolf Premcharan, who performs under the name ‘Wolf’, also saw Kraka as an opportunity to present his music and meet other creatives. He describes his style as dark r&b and electronic music, with a dark atmosphere and strong melodies. In addition to music production, he is involved in videography. “I really feel at home at Kraka. It is an opportunity to expand my network, get to know new people, showcase my music and let a larger audience hear what I do.”
Wolf has been making music for over twenty years. He started in Nickerie, where he played in various rock bands and later continued with solo performances. Although he could not participate in the workshops this time, he appreciated the opportunity to meet other people from the music scene, exchange ideas and learn how to further his career. He described his performance as a pleasant experience. The shouts and cheers from the crowd made him feel like he was in his place.
Go wider
Belfor: “Talent development is an important starting point for us. Kraka should not be limited to the annual showcase. A third edition is planned for 2027, probably again in October. But we also want to organize activities every quarter from next year.”
What exactly these activities will be has not yet been announced. With these plans, Kraka Poku Tori wants to continue building a platform where artists can not only perform, but also gain knowledge, receive feedback and make contacts that can support their further development.
