The Dutch Caribbean music scene has been shaped by a unique fusion of African, Latin, and European influences. At the forefront of this evolution stands Roel Calister, a pioneering musician whose work with Kuenta I Tambu (KIT) has redefined traditional Caribbean rhythms for a global audience. By blending the folkloric sounds of tambu music with modern electronic beats, Calister and KIT have created a new wave of Dutch Caribbean music that continues to inspire contemporary artists across genres.
Roel Calister and Kuenta I Tambu: Pioneers of Tambutronic
Roel Calister, a Curaçaoan percussionist and composer, has been instrumental in revitalizing tambu music—a traditional Afro-Caribbean genre that originated from enslaved Africans in Curaçao. His band, Kuenta I Tambu, took this deep-rooted tradition and infused it with electronic music, leading to the birth of “tambutronic.” Their energetic performances and rhythmic innovations have made them ambassadors of Dutch Caribbean music on the world stage.
KiT comprises:
Roël Calister | Vocals/Percussion
Mathias Holzner | Drums/Electronics
Monica Mao Cheia | Vocals
Vernon Chatlein | Percussion
Tshepho Pietersz | Percussion
Beyond their own musical achievements, Calister and KIT have had a lasting impact on many contemporary artists. Inspired by Traditional Afro Caribbean Music from Curaçao and European Dance, Kuenta i Tambú has created a brand new sound! They cleverly found a balance between electronic sound samples, singing and chanting and the infectious rhythms played by ritual tambú drums. Some call it Global Bass, others prefer labeling it Tambutronic but one thing is for sure: it’s a wild and colorful explosion of energy, and always seems to set off some serious movements on the dancefloor! Kuenta i Tambú translates to “Stories and Drums” from Papiamentu, which is the language spoken on the islands of Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire (Dutch Antilles). The group is based in Amsterdam and was formed in 2005 after a series of educational projects at schools and theaters to introduce the music and culture of Curaçao to children in the Netherlands. During this period the first songs were written, establishing the sound and identity of the group which nowadays is known for its high energy shows, with a great deal of humoristic highlights, hypnotizing beats and dazzling percussive interplay between bandmembers. – https://soundcloud.com/kuenta/
Here are five musicians and groups who have drawn inspiration from their groundbreaking work:
1. DJ Chuckie
Clyde Sergio Narain (born 25 June 1978), known professionally as Chuckie, is a Surinamese-born Dutch DJ, rapper and producer. Chuckie was born in Paramaribo, Suriname.
One of the most well-known DJs from the Dutch Caribbean, DJ Chuckie has made waves in the electronic dance music (EDM) world with his signature “Dirty Dutch” style. While his sound leans heavily on house and electro beats, the percussive energy and rhythmic structures found in tambutronic can be traced in some of his work. The fusion of traditional Caribbean rhythms with electronic production techniques mirrors the approach taken by KIT, proving that Dutch Caribbean heritage continues to shape global dance music.
2. Afrojack
Afrojack, one of the biggest names in EDM, was heavily influenced by DJ Chuckie and the Dirty Dutch movement. His early career saw him remixing several of Chuckie’s tracks, incorporating the driving percussion and syncopated rhythms that characterize the style. Both Afrojack and Chuckie have drawn from the pioneering work of Kuenta I Tambu, whose fusion of traditional tambu music with electronic beats laid the foundation for much of the Dutch house and EDM scene. Afrojack’s signature sound—characterized by sharp synth leads and powerful drum arrangements—echoes the percussive intensity of tambutronic music, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of KIT’s innovations.
3. Major Lazer
The global dancehall/electronic group Major Lazer, led by Diplo, has also drawn inspiration from Afrojack and the broader tumbatronic movement. As Afrojack integrated elements of tambu rhythms and energetic percussions into his work, Major Lazer further explored these Caribbean sounds in their music. Tracks like Watch Out for This (Bumaye) and Light It Up showcase the fusion of Afro-Caribbean beats with electronic production, mirroring the experimental approach pioneered by Kuenta I Tambu. By incorporating these influences, Major Lazer has helped bring Dutch Caribbean-inspired sounds to a worldwide audience, reinforcing the global reach of tambutronic music.
4. Joëlla Jackson
Joëlla Jackson, a rising star in the Dutch Caribbean music scene, has also been influenced by Kuenta I Tambu’s pioneering approach. As a singer-songwriter, Jackson incorporates tambu-infused beats and electronic elements into her music, creating a sound that is both rooted in tradition and forward-thinking. Her ability to blend storytelling with pulsating rhythms echoes KIT’s commitment to cultural preservation through innovation. Jackson’s work reflects how the tambutronic movement continues to evolve and inspire a new generation of Caribbean artists.
5. Clifford Goilo
At first Calister found that KiT’s music wasn’t really reaching the audience. “Picture this: four guys standing up there, playing instruments you’ve never seen before (chapi, tambú), singing in a language you’ve never heard before (Papiamentu), they’re all having fun, but it’s just them.”
With the help of Curaçao-born (music producer) Clifford Goilo, he started experimenting with blending in kicks, samples and electronics… while keeping the traditional 6-8 and other tambú elements.
Goilo also has produced for countless other musicians including the track Bon Air by Hardsoul featuring Katie Costello.
Conclusion
Roel Calister and Kuenta I Tambu’s innovative approach to Dutch Caribbean music has paved the way for an entire movement that has influenced global dance music. From the pioneering work of Clifford Goilo, who helped KIT incorporate electronic elements into their sound, to the groundbreaking rhythms that shaped DJ Chuckie’s Dirty Dutch movement, the impact of KIT extends far beyond their own performances. Afrojack built upon Chuckie’s rhythmic foundations, adding his own high-energy style, which in turn influenced Major Lazer’s incorporation of tambutronic elements into their dancehall-electronic fusion. Meanwhile, artists like Joëlla Jackson continue to carry the tambutronic legacy forward, blending traditional tambu with modern sounds. The evolution of Dutch Caribbean music is a testament to the power of cultural fusion, and Kuenta I Tambu’s contributions have ensured that these rich musical traditions will continue to shape the global music scene for years to come.
References
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