Eddy Veldman & Opo Yeye

Opo Yeye (‘elevate your soul’) is an energetic, groundbreaking band led by Eddy Veldman, the Paramaribo-born drum veteran. Expect a dynamic mix of jazz, funk, hip-hop, and Surinamese dance music such as kaseko and kawina. Opo Yeye fuses many rhythms and styles into a unique sound full of groove and improvisation.

As a co-founder of the legendary Surinam Music Ensemble, Eddy Veldman is one of the originators of the Paramaribop sound. Since the 1970s he has played in innovative bands such as Reality and Solat, and since 1998 he is leading Opo Yeye. In its current form, the group has a richly varied line-up including members of the influential Fra Fra Sound and rising star violinist Yannick Hiwat, who played on our stage with his own bands.

Norman van Geerke vocals, Yannick Hiwat violin, Robin van Geerke piano, Fantison Araby O’Byan percussion, Álvaro Jiménez trumpet, Joao Driessen saxophone, Rob Dirkson bass, Eddy Veldman drums