Keti Koti/Kadena Kibrá

On June 30, Eindhoven will hold its annual commemoration of the transatlantic slavery past. The ceremony will take place in the City Hall Garden behind Eindhoven City Hall. Following the commemoration, Muziekgebouw Eindhoven, in collaboration with the Committee of June 30 / July 1 Eindhoven, will present a free musical programme centred on remembrance, connection, and the strength of communities.

“Freedom Carries Our Names”

Under the title Freedom Carries Our Names, Clifton End and Yentje Silvanie will present a special musical tribute to freedom and the legacy of our ancestors.

Through music, the programme reflects on the suffering and lasting impact of the transatlantic slavery past, while also creating space for recognition, connection, and hope. Visitors are invited to listen, reflect, and come together to consider the meaning of freedom, both then and now.

Clifton End

Clifton End is a versatile artist with Curaçaoan roots, known for his powerful stage presence and his ability to connect music, culture, and storytelling. Themes of identity, heritage, and resilience are at the heart of his performances. Through his music, he pays tribute to the struggles, strength, and legacy of previous generations, while creating space for connection and dialogue.

Yentje Silvanie

Yentje Silvanie is a Curaçaoan singer with a warm, soulful voice and a deep connection to her cultural roots. With a diverse repertoire that blends Caribbean influences, soul, and jazz, she has a unique ability to move audiences and bring people together. Her music is a tribute to freedom, dignity, and the strength of the generations that came before her.

Keti Koti / Kadena Kibrá

Each year on June 30, the slavery past is commemorated. The following day, July 1, marks the celebration of the abolition of slavery in 1863. In practice, however, many formerly enslaved people were forced to continue working on plantations for up to ten more years, which is why 1873 is considered by many to be the true end of slavery.

The term Keti Koti (Sranantongo) or Kadena Kibrá (Papiamentu) means “Broken Chains.” These days include both commemorative ceremonies and festive activities, featuring music, dance, and traditional food. Keti Koti highlights the importance of awareness, reconciliation, and the celebration of cultural diversity, while honouring the ancestors who suffered under slavery.