Re-score ‘Faja Lobbi’ by Fra Fra Sound feat. Sabrina Starke

Film, music & dialogue

To mark 50 years of Surinamese independence, this special evening blends film, live music and conversation. The poetic 1960 documentary Faja Lobbi by filmmaker Herman van der Horst receives a brand-new musical score by Afro-Dutch collective Fra Fra Sound, featuring Rotterdam soul vocalist Sabrina Starke. This world premiere presents the 4K restored film by the Netherlands Institute for Sound & Vision.

About the film

Faja Lobbi (Faja Lobi) is a visual ode to Suriname by director Herman van der Horst. Meandering rivers through the rainforest, countless flowers and lush green jungle paint the country’s heartland. In contrast, the capital Paramaribo—situated along the coast—bustles with city life and cultural diversity. Creoles, Hindustanis, Javanese, Chinese, Boeroes, Maroons and the Indigenous population together form a vibrant portrait of Suriname. The film won the Golden Bear for Best Feature-Length Documentary at the 1960 Berlin International Film Festival.

The evening opens with a conversation with the artists, led by music journalist Leendert van der Valk, exploring the cultural bridge between film and music. This is followed by the live re-score of Faja Lobbi, where Suriname’s diversity is reflected in the rhythm of the Marowijne River. The original soundtrack by Big Jones is reimagined and expanded with new arrangements, vocals and compositions.

About the artists

Fra Fra Sound has been blending African and Afro-Surinamese rhythms with modern jazz for over 45 years. Their name, taken from a people in northern Ghana, symbolises a mission to preserve and celebrate heritage through music.

Sabrina Starke is an award-winning Rotterdam-based singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and message of unity. Since her platinum debut Yellow Brick Road, she has released five albums and collaborated with the Metropole Orkest.

Date: Friday 12 December 2025
Time: 20:30
Venue: LantarenVenster, Rotterdam
Tickets: €23 (incl. €3 service fee)
Note: Seated event, free seating.

Organised by Black Soil Film Festival, LantarenVenster, Instituut voor Beeld & Geluid and BIRD.