by Steven Seedo
PARAMARIBO — Surinamese party culture, music and hospitality will find a place in the Netherlands this summer with the first edition of ‘Fawaka fest’ on August 8 in The Hague. Organizer Shaike Maikoe of Hardcore Entertainment Suriname calls the festival more than just a music event. “We not only show the Surinamese party vibe, but also give visitors the opportunity to taste a bit of our culture,” says Maikoe to the True Time.
Ambassador Ricardo Panka says in conversation with the organization that events such as ‘Fawaka fest’ contribute to a positive promotion of Suriname in Europe. Due to the rich mix of population groups and traditions, Surinamese festivals are often a fusion of cultures, music styles, cuisines and customs.
“Due to the rich mix of population groups and traditions, Surinamese festivals are often a fusion of cultures, music styles, cuisines and customs”
Maikoe gives as an example Owru Yarithe Surinamese New Year’s Eve celebration. Surinamese cuisine also plays an important role during the festival in the Netherlands. “Almost every Surinamese celebration is also about food. We want to introduce the new generation of Dutch people with Surinamese roots and other visitors to our culinary traditions.” Maikoe: “The fact that we, as a Surinamese organization, can organize such a festival in the Netherlands makes us proud. We therefore hope for massive support from the Surinamese community and beyond. The organization is already looking ahead to possible editions on Curaçao and Aruba, where many people with Surinamese roots also live.
Naming
‘Fawaka’ was deliberately chosen because this term is known to many people in the Netherlands as the Surinamese greeting ‘how are you?’ and is now also a frequently used expression in Dutch slang.
Artists from Suriname, the Netherlands and the Caribbean region, among others, participate in the festival. On stage are: Ronnie Flex (Netherlands), Zouk Machine (France/Guadeloupe), DJ/producer OsoCity (USA), Poke, La Rouge, Kalibwoy, F1rstman, Good Vibezz (Suriname) and Urban Kawinaband Passion.
One of the special performances comes from Dewindersingh Sewnath, internationally known as the Lion of Baithak Gana. As frontman of the famous Swastika Band, he has been one of the biggest names in Baithak Gana for years, a music style from the Indo-Surinamese community in which Sarnami, Hindi and Bhojpuri influences come together with Caribbean rhythms.
Photo:
La Rouge, who is considered one of the important representatives of the kaskawi or kaskawina
