On Tuesday, July 1st, De Doelen transforms into a living, beating heart of culture, expression, and identity — welcome to the Keti Koti Festival. Under the banner ‘We Are Culture’, an evening of resonance unfolds: music, dance, workshops, and a performance that will steal your breath and open your mind. Free entrance, come as you are.
In the fabrics and silhouettes speak — traditional dress from Afro-diasporic communities: from the proud Maroons and Cape Verdean islands to Ghanaian heritage and Dutch-Caribbean flair.
From 16:00, the educational program begins, where listening becomes an act of connection. Later in the café, Cult North Radio goes live — voices, rhythms and reflections woven between past and present.
For the little ones, there’s a sensory workshop led by Pedro Pimentel, who tells stories through percussion — vibrations, rhythms and sounds that linger long after.
DJ Kofi the Unknown keeps the evening moving, while the radiant Indi T brings fire and finesse as your host.
Location: Schouwburgplein 50
programme
Studio 5 | de Doelen Kids Corner
16:10 - 18:00
Kids Workshop
Educational program with traditional Brazilian instruments under the guidance of SJB, BIBANDO CURAÇAO and others
Hal Grote Zaal
15:30 – 16:00
Walk-in Keti Koti Fest '25 “Culturu Zjin Wi”
Guest arrival and welcome
16:00 – 16:10
Plein Offering and Flag Parade
Opening ritual by Kenneth van Raamsdonk
Flag parade led by Richard Abiad with representatives from diverse cultures
16:00 – 21:00
Cultural Market
Ongoing marketplace with food, clothing, jewelry, music and art
Workshops including Akoeba (gelée), Surinamese Angisa, and Caribbean food design
16:15 – 16:35
Nyanga Weber – Awassa Drama n Dans
Traditional dance performance from the Maroon community
16:45 – 17:05
Sambura Group Anjama Maro
Surinamese vocal ensemble
Focusing on the preservation of cultural identity
17:20 – 17:35
Doll Dynasty Dance Crew
A powerful women’s dance group with multicultural roots
Embodiment of empowerment, expression and confidence
17:45 – 18:00
Batuku i Nos Alma
Cape Verdean Batuku music and dance
Rotterdam-based collective
18:00 – 18:30
Closing of Kids Workshop & Capoeira Demonstration
By Pedro Hamelet featuring Sur, Brabumba and Crue
Including Capoeira, Samba, Maculelê, Forró and Boiada
18:15 – 18:30
EDO Cultural Group
Nigerian singing and dance rooted in the EDO tradition
18:40 – 19:00
Grupo Tribu Tambu
Tambú music from Curaçao
Traditional and modern expressions of Caribbean rhythm and resistance
19:15 – 19:45
United Africa Band
A vibrant fusion of African and Chinese influences
Led by Majeje D.Joe
20:00 – 21:00
Afro-Carib Ensemble
Afro-Surinamese Kaseko band
Final performance of the evening
21:00
Closing of Keti Koti Fest '25 “Culturu Zjin Wi”
Official wrap-up
