Kawina (music)

Kawina is a Surinamese folk music genre that originated in the Paramaribo district. It is a highly rhythmic style primarily associated with the Afro-Surinamese population, and it’s closely linked to traditional religious beliefs and practices, particularly Winti.

Kawina is characterized by its driving percussion, featuring drums such as the skratji (a snare drum), apinti (a talking drum), and kwa-kwa (a percussion instrument made from a piece of wood struck with sticks). Call-and-response vocals are also a significant feature, often addressing social issues, historical events, or spiritual themes. The lyrics are typically sung in Sranan Tongo, the lingua franca of Suriname.

Historically, Kawina served as a means of communication and cultural expression for enslaved Africans and their descendants. It was often performed during celebrations, ceremonies, and communal gatherings. Over time, Kawina has evolved and adapted, incorporating elements from other musical genres, including Western popular music, while retaining its distinctive rhythmic foundation and cultural significance.

In modern Suriname, Kawina remains a vibrant and popular genre, performed at social events, concerts, and festivals. It is also an important symbol of Afro-Surinamese identity and a testament to the enduring power of music as a form of cultural preservation and resistance.