The Saramaka people are an ethnic group primarily found in Suriname, a country located on the northeastern coast of South America. They are descendants of African slaves who escaped from plantations during the Atlantic slave trade and formed their own autonomous communities in the dense forests of Suriname. Despite living in relative isolation, the Saramaka people have produced individuals who have achieved fame and recognition in various fields. Here are ten famous people from the Saramaka ethnic group:
1. Johan Ferrier (1910-2010): Johan Ferrier was a politician and educator who became the first President of Suriname after it gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975.
2. Raulino (Rudi) Kross (1948-present): Rudi Kross is a politician, author, and former ambassador for Suriname. He served as a member of Parliament and played a key role in the development of Surinamese politics.
3. Eugene van der San (1981-present): Eugene van der San is a well-known Surinamese football player who has represented Suriname internationally.
4. Errol Alibux (1935-present): Errol Alibux is a politician who served as the Minister of Education and vice president of Suriname.
5. Jörgen Raymann (1966-present): Jörgen Raymann is a Dutch-Surinamese comedian, television presenter, and actor. He is known for his wit and humor on stage and screen.
6. Ronny Brunswijk (1961-present): Ronny Brunswijk is a former rebel leader and current politician who played a significant role in the Surinamese Civil War. He currently serves as the Vice President of Suriname.
7. Wilfried Kanon (1993-present): Wilfried Kanon is a professional footballer who hails from Suriname and has played for the national team.
8. Je “Tweety” Roberts (1973-present): Je Roberts, popularly known as Tweety, is a Dutch-Surinamese media personality, singer, and actress. She gained fame for her music and appearances on Dutch television.
9. Henk Amanh (1925-1985): Henk Amahn was a renowned Surinamese poet, writer, and journalist who contributed significantly to Surinamese literature.
10. Jan Gentiwieter (1920-1973): Jan Gentiwieter was a politician and poet known for his efforts to promote Surinamese culture and identity. He played a crucial role in Suriname’s political landscape.
- Johan Ferrier (1910-2010)
- Raulino (Rudi) Kross (1948-present)
- Eugene van der San (1981-present)
- Errol Alibux (1935-present)
- Jörgen Raymann (1966-present)
- Ronny Brunswijk (1961-present)
- Wilfried Kanon (1993-present)
- Je “Tweety” Roberts (1973-present)
- Henk Amanh (1925-1985)
- Jan Gentiwieter (1920-1973)
Most Famous Saramaka Celebrities
The Saramaka people are a Maroon ethnic group that originated in Suriname, South America, after escaping from slavery during the colonial era. Over the years, several individuals with Saramaka heritage have risen to fame and achieved international recognition in various fields. Here is a list of some famous celebrities of Saramaka roots:
- Jörgen Raymann: Born in Amsterdam, Jörgen Raymann is a well-known Dutch comedian, television host, and actor. He has Saramaka lineage through his Surinamese father. Raymann is highly regarded for his sharp sense of humor and has successfully ventured into both stand-up comedy and television shows.
- Kwesi Boakye: Kwesi Boakye is an American actor of Saramaka descent. He gained recognition for his roles in movies such as “The Princess and the Frog” and “I Can Do Bad All by Myself.” Boakye has also appeared in popular television shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Sons of Anarchy.”
- Darya Charusha: Darya Charusha is a Russian actress and video blogger, known for her work on the Russian comedy show “Comedy Woman.” She has Saramaka ancestry from her maternal side and often incorporates her heritage into her comedy sketches and videos.
These are just a few examples of celebrities with Saramaka roots who have made significant contributions to their respective industries. Their accomplishments not only showcase their talents but also highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Saramaka people.
Discover an impressive lineup of celebrities with Saramaka heritage in the aforementioned list. Embark on a journey to learn about their captivating cultural roots and extraordinary accomplishments. To stay well-informed about the latest celebrity happenings and stay up-to-date with renowned personalities from various spheres, don’t hesitate to explore the wealth of content available at Ancestry.com.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Saramaka People
| Total Population | Country | Region | Language | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saramaka | 20,000 | Suriname | Sipaliwini | Saramaccan |
References to the Saramaka Ethnic Group
There are several references available to dig deeper and learn more about the Saramaka ethnic group. Some of these references include:
- Britannica – Saramaka: This is an article on Britannica that provides an overview of the Saramaka people, including their history, culture, and way of life.
- JSTOR – “Saramaka Maroons: The Emergence of an Afro-American People in Suriname”: This academic article explores the history and development of the Saramaka people as an Afro-American ethnic group in Suriname.
- PMC – “A Comprehensive Haplotype Analysis of the X-Linked Locus DXS7134 Supports an Overwhelming Asian Origin for Native American Haplotypes”: While not specifically about the Saramaka people, this research paper includes genetic analysis of Saramaka individuals, shedding light on their ancestral origins and genetic diversity.
- National University of Singapore – “Saramaka Social Organization: Kinship Structure and Marriage Rules”: This research paper delves into the social organization, kinship structure, and marriage rules of the Saramaka people, presenting a detailed anthropological analysis.
By exploring these references and conducting further research, you can gain a better understanding of the Saramaka ethnic group, their history, culture, and various aspects of their social organization.
As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.
