Keti Koti: Retracing Steps

On the 1st of July, the Netherlands commemorates and celebrates the abolition of slavery in Suriname and the Antilles (Keti Koti and Dia di Abolishon). During this afternoon, we will reflect on our shared past, present, and future, and enjoy live music, great food and community connection. Countertenor Arturo den Hartog has curated a highly unique programme centred around Retracing Steps by Sons of Jumira. Prior to the concert, you are invited to join the Heri Heri lunch: a one-pot dish made with ingredients that were available to enslaved people on the plantations.

Retracing Steps is a profound journey through the ancestral lineage of the members of Sons of Jumira. They wrote the piece for a unique combination of instruments: kora and ngoni, both West African string instruments, harp and percussion. In addition, countertenor Arturo den Hartog – a champion of works by Black composers – joins pianist Ernst Munneke to perform songs from the Surinamese classical repertoire. Den Hartog won the audience prize at the Princess Christina Concours in 2021, performed at the O. Festival in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, and was a creator at Muziekgebouw Production House.

Heri Heri meal (sold out)
The Heri Heri meal consists of cooked sweet potato, cassava, yellow and green bananas, salted fish (cod), an egg, and garnish.