Rhythm of Salsuri: Latin Beats, Surinamese soul
Salsuri: International dance festival in Suriname.
Mission
Our mission is to create immersive cultural experiences, seamlessly blending Latin American dance and music with Surinamese heritage, eco-tourism, and community engagement. Through these experiences, we aim to foster connections and enrich lives.
Vision
We envision ourselves as the leading global destination for cultural exploration and entertainment, renowned for our unique fusion of Latin American performing arts, Surinamese culture, and eco-tourism experiences
The Journey – 2005-2024
Background of Salsuri Foundation and Annual Events
The birth of the SALSURI Foundation in 2004 marked the genesis of a transformative movement in Suriname’s cultural landscape. With the establishment of the inaugural SALSURI festival in 2005, a new era of salsa and Latin American dance emerged, aiming to reintroduce these vibrant art forms to the Surinamese populace. This ambitious endeavor not only sought to foster cultural exchange but also to create an enchanting experience for top dancers and Latin enthusiasts worldwide, positioning Suriname as a hub for event tourism during the Salsuri week.
The success of the debut festival in 2005 resonated profoundly, igniting a salsa resurgence among the Surinamese public. Dance schools seized the momentum, democratizing salsa and bringing it from the confines of elite circles to the streets, attracting enthusiasts from all walks of life. The demand for Latin events surged, with dance and music parties, workshops, and showcases becoming integral components of Suriname’s cultural fabric.
Foreign artists and tourists were drawn to Suriname’s vibrant Latin scene, captivated by its multicultural essence and harmonious society. The dance floor became a melting pot, where individuals of diverse backgrounds converged, celebrating the universal language of music and dance. This convergence of cultures and shared passion for Latin rhythms created a unique cultural phenomenon, further solidifying Salsuri’s role as a catalyst for cultural exchange and community cohesion.
Salsuri Festival (Editions 1-9)
From 2005 to 2013, Salsuri embarked on a remarkable journey through nine editions of its celebrated festival. Each edition served as an annual beacon of cultural celebration and entertainment, captivating audiences and fostering a sense of unity within Suriname’s Latin dance community. Drawing an average of 3000 attendees per edition, the festival became a cornerstone of Suriname’s cultural landscape.
Throughout the years, Salsuri’s impact extended far beyond the festival grounds. Social gatherings and captivating shows complemented the main festival events, creating an immersive experience for participants. Workshops provided invaluable opportunities for skill enhancement and cultural exchange, enriching the festival’s offerings and leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
In 2013, Salsuri welcomed esteemed guests from around the globe, including Carine and Rafael from São Paulo, Brazil, winners of the World Salsa Open in 2010, 2011, and 2013 in Puerto Rico. Joining them were Karen and Ricardo from Chile/Argentina, champions of the World Latin Dance Cup in 2012 in the cabaret class and runners-up in the World Salsa Open in 2012 and 2013. Adriana and Jefferson from Cali, Colombia, runners-up in the World Latin Dance Cup in 2011 and 2012 in the cabaret class, also graced the festival with their talent. Additionally, top performers from New York, London, Barcelona, Venezuela, Curaçao, French Guiana, the Netherlands, and Suriname showcased their skills during two unforgettable show evenings, totaling 40 unique performances.
The festival’s success was further underscored by its consistent ability to attract a diverse audience, with a total of 3000 attendees across all festival events during each of the nine editions. It’s worth mentioning that between the 9th and 10th editions, Salsuri also organized separate social events, including Latin Caribbean Madness parties and Salsuri parties. These events drew crowds ranging from 300 to 350 attendees, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere and ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
Organizing team
The Salsuri team, consisting of salsa enthusiasts and artists of Surinamese descent, is brought together by a unique blend of Surinamese heritage and passion for salsa. This blend fosters unparalleled dedication to Salsuri’s goals.
Megillo Pang Atjok
Salsuri Director
In the Netherlands, Megillo was captivated by salsa and Latin dance, igniting his journey into the dynamic realm of Latin culture from 2003 to 2005. Leading group excursions to prestigious events and festivals across Europe and the US, he immersed enthusiasts in the electrifying ambiance of these gatherings. Inspired by global Latin trends, he envisioned a salsa revival in his homeland, culminating in the inaugural Salsuri festival in 2005. Since returning to Suriname in 2006, Megillo has continued to orchestrate festivals and events, earning him the moniker DJ Mequillo – the salsa DJ of Suriname and solidifying his role as a pioneering force in the local Latin dance community.
Renowned for his unwavering dedication to excellence, Megillo’s meticulous organizational prowess ensures that Salsuri events uphold international standards, setting the bar for quality in Suriname’s salsa scene. His enduring commitment to promoting Latin dance has secured his legacy as a trailblazer and innovator in the country’s vibrant salsa community.
Brian, also known as “Kusje” in the Netherlands, is a revered figure in the salsa world, captivating audiences with his expressive dance style. His journey began at the Louise Doorenbos Ballet school, where he mastered various dance forms before embracing salsa wholeheartedly. Over the years, Brian has become a sought-after instructor and performer, mentoring prominent figures like Patrick Mussendijk, Mambo Mike, and Patrick Rosheuvel.
As the artistic director of the Salsuri festival in Suriname, Brian has been instrumental in promoting salsa and Latin dance culture both locally and globally. His passion for nurturing talent and fostering cultural exchange has earned him recognition on national and international stages, solidifying his legacy as a dynamic force in the salsa community.
Brian VD Kust
Salsuri Artistic Director
Humphrey Willemzorg “DJ Willy”
Salsuri Music Director
DJ Willy, also known as Humphrey Willemzorg, is a musical powerhouse originating from Suriname, whose influence has reverberated across the global music scene for over three decades. Launching his illustrious career in 1980, he quickly ascended to stardom in Suriname, elevating a local club to unprecedented heights. In 1992, his journey led him to Amsterdam, where he became a fixture at Margarita’s, a renowned Latin club.
With a diverse repertoire spanning disco, house, rhythm and blues, and Latin, DJ Willy’s Surinamese heritage infuses his fervent dedication to music and dance. As the main DJ and music director for Salsuri, he orchestrates unforgettable experiences on the dance floor. Alongside his role as a co-founder of the idea for a salsa festival in Suriname, DJ Willy continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his dynamic performances.