Latin America as a whole and the Caribbean in particular contain an inexhaustible supply of all kinds of very groovy music. This part of the world has for centuries for something like a multi-racial, cultural cross-fertilization. Although this mix is, of course, apparent in all forms of art, in music the result is more pronounced.
Fra Fra Sound as an orchestra consists of musicians who trace their ‘roots’ to Surinam culture, and Surinam’s history is easily recognizable in Fra Fra Sound’s music. Most of the rhythms they play originated in Western Africa (Ghana and Senegal), and these are blended with all the harmonic influences imported by the different peoples represented in Surinam. The styles of kaseko and kawina have originated in Surinam, and Fra Fra Sound will never turn their backs on the traditional musical values of their land of birth. Nevertheless, all individual members of this unique orchestra are definitely modern musicians intent on composing and interpreting contemporary music. The Kalinha’s are the original inhabitants of Surinam. For thousands of years they have lived in the dense jungles of South America.
According to legend, anyone born in their (Amer-Indian) territory will be accompanied by Kalinha’s spirit acting as guide. So, in the Kalinha tradition, the Surinam people are one people, regardless of their race or colour. They have seen great changes cone to pass in their ancestral grounds, and this CD is dedicated to them: Kalinha’s Serenade.
Ab de Jong

What does Fra Fra mean?
There is no literal translation for the concept of ‘Fra Fra’. It has to do with balance, equilibrium. The balance within the variegated Surinam culture that is connected with the country’s multiracial character, its history of coming into existence and the unique location between the Caribbean and the Latin-American hinterland. Additionally there is an ethnic group in northwestern Ghana, known as ‘Fra Fra’ which refers to the strong historical and cultural ties between West Africa and Surinam.