Biography
Discover the incredible journey of Kries Ramkhelawan, from his early beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in the music world. Learn about his inspirations, experiences, and the milestones that have shaped his musical career.
Kries Ramkhelawan, born on October 2, 1958, is a multi-talented artist from Suriname.
His diverse skills encompass composing, singing, acting, directing, playwriting, and poetry. He is the visionary behind Saathi, an organization that started as a theater group and evolved into a prominent cultural entity. While primarily based in Suriname, Ramkhelawan’s talents have also taken him to various international stages.
Growing up in Saramacca, he was exposed to the world of theater from an early age.
Participating in local theater groups, he learned valuable lessons from seasoned performers. From the age of eighteen, he took charge of selecting themes and assembling groups for his productions. His plays explore a wide range of subjects, including immigration, politics, family dramas, and the celebration of religious festivals like Holi-Phagwa and Divali. These captivating performances have been showcased at prestigious venues like the Cultural Center Suriname (CCS) in Paramaribo, extending their reach to cinemas across the country.
One of Ramkhelawan's significant achievements.
One of Ramkhelawan’s significant achievements was winning the first prize at a theater festival with his play “Doekhie parewar” (Sad family) in 1985, which marked the birth of his theater group, Saathi. In collaboration with renowned playwright Thea Doelwijt, he embarked on a journey that initially aimed to have a fixed cast but later embraced the inclusion of aspiring actors to maintain flexibility in artistic expression. The result was a talented and diverse cast, performing in languages such as Sarnami Hindustani, Dutch, and Sranantongo, reflecting the rich cultural fabric of Suriname. The plays also embraced music from various ethnic communities in the country. Over the years, Saathi’s performances have enthralled audiences in Suriname and the Netherlands, evolving from a theater group to a dynamic cultural organization by 1997.
In the early 21st century, Ramkhelawan enjoyed around a decade-long association with the “Pleasure Party”
“Pleasure Party,” a vibrant ensemble led by Ron Brandsteder, featuring a mix of Dutch, Surinamese, and Antillean talents. He has also made appearances in diverse locations, including Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius, and even performing alongside his father at the prestigious Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in India. Throughout his career, Ramkhelawan has been honored by esteemed organizations like Satya Dharma in the Netherlands and the National Council of Indian Culture in Trinidad.
Embracing his father's musical heritage, Ramkhelawan is a master of baithak gana, Bollywood music, and qawwali.
He is proficient in playing the harmonium, crafting soulful lyrics, and creating captivating theatrical productions. Through his art, he skillfully weaves together the diverse music styles of Suriname, harmonizing them into a captivating tapestry of cultural expression. Additionally, Ramkhelawan has found his voice in poetry, and in January 2020, he released his debut poetry collection, “Shabd aur chavi ke beech” (Between words and images) on behalf of Saathi.