A KIP REPUBLIC INITIATIVE
Listen to the
free heri heri 2026 playlist
Curated by DJ Miss Sunny Jansen, a.k.a. Covergirl Sunny, creative legend, style icon, and inspirational role model for many.
Keti Koti, for me, is both a time to remember and to celebrate. It is a moment to honor those who endured slavery while acknowledging how our colonial past continues to shape the present. Although slavery was officially abolished on July 1, 1863, many formerly enslaved people in Suriname were forced to remain under state supervision and continue working for another ten years. For many, true freedom did not begin until 1873.
Keti Koti strengthens my connection to Surinamese, Caribbean, and African diasporic cultures. It is a celebration of resilience, freedom, and cultural pride, while also creating space to listen, learn, and engage in the meaningful conversations we still need to have.
The songs I selected reflect these different layers. They tell stories of resistance, liberation, and change, but also of community, identity, and joy. Some invite us to reflect on the past, while others encourage us to stand tall, celebrate who we are, and keep moving forward.
This playlist is a journey—from remembrance to hope, from struggle to pride, and from quiet reflection to joyful celebration. That, to me, is the essence of Keti Koti.
Heritage, Memory and Freedom through Art
-
![]()
2026
-
![]()
2025
-
![]()
2024
-
![]()
2023
-
![]()
2022
-
![]()
2021
-
![]()
2020
ABOUT FREE HERI HERI FOR ALL
Free Heri Heri For All is a grassroots initiative produced by Creative Agency KIP Republic.
Held annually on July 1st during Keti Koti- the day marking the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and slavery in Suriname and the former Dutch Caribbean in 1863/73.
At the center of the initiative is a traditional Afro-Surinamese dish made with cassava, sweet potato, plantain, salted fish, and an egg. More than just nourishment, Heri Heri embodies a rich cultural and historical significance. It was created by enslaved people, whose resilience and ingenuity gave rise to a culinary tradition that honours their legacy and tells a story of survival, creativity, and heritage.
Since 2020, KIP Republic has partnered with organizations across the country to distribute free heri heri meals every July 1st. Since its launch, the initiative has served over 75,000 meals, sharing culture, history, and community with thousands of people.
Every year, the preparation of our heri heri’s becomes more than cooking, it becomes a gathering of memories and community across generations. In kitchens filled with laughter, stories, and the rhythm of shared work our chefs, family, friends, and volunteers come together to prepare each meal with care and intention. At the heart of every serving is one shared recipe, passed down through the KIP family tradition. It is this recipe that connects every plate to its roots, preserving not only the flavours of the dish but the stories, and cultural integrity of our ancestors.
