Tula Herdenkingsconcert 2026
KUMBU: A Musical Beacon of Light – Tula Memorial Concert. On Sunday 16 August 2026, experience a unique musical encounter between past and present at the International Theatre Amsterdam (ITA). KUMBU brings the ancient, hidden Curaçaoan songs of enslaved people back to life in a powerful and innovative concert. A musical ode to freedom, courage and cultural memory presented by Pernell Saturnino and musical director Jean-Jacques Rojer.
Duration 90 minutes
Genre Muziek
Language Language no problem
Tula Herdenkingsconcert
KUMBU is a musical tribute to Tula, leader of the Curaçao slave rebellion in 1795. In his name, this concert pays homage to freedom, dignity and collective strength. The music bridges generations and demonstrates how history continues to shape the present.
The concert is based on traditional Gueni songs – centuries-old chants that originated amongst enslaved people. Whereas these songs were once sung unaccompanied, in KUMBU they are set against a new musical landscape. Modern arrangements and harmonies bring the music into the present, without losing sight of its origins.-|-
The sounds move between past and present. Characteristic scales and rhythms, akin to the blues among other genres, bring a rich and sometimes forgotten musical world to life. The result is a concert that not only commemorates, but also renews and connects.
About KUMBU
Kumbu means ‘firefly’: a tiny light that pierces the darkness. That is precisely what this project aims to be – an artistic beacon that provides direction and brings to light what has long remained hidden.
The name has its origins in Gueni, a Creole language with Portuguese influences spoken in the 17th and 18th centuries by enslaved West Africans. In KUMBU, this history resonates through language, music and meaning.
Credits
Presentation by Pernell Saturnino
Musical director Jean-Jacques Rojer
Master drummer Javier ‘Yuchi’ Córdoba
Bassist Lesley Joseph
Vocalist Michael ‘Karpachi’ Wanga
Percussionist Lidrick Solognier
