July 1st 2023 marks the 150th annual celebration of Keti Koti.
Meaning ‘broken chains’ in Sranantongo, it commemorates the 1863 abolition of slavery in Suriname and the Dutch Antilles. Celebrating the people who fought for abolition, and the rich cultures that have persevered and flourished.
As the son of Surinamese parents, our founder Guillaume Philibert has instilled a strong connection to his heritage within Filling Pieces. To emphasise these ties, we have formed a brand new partnership with KLABU. A social enterprise that uses sport to transcend borders, working with refugees and within local communities to build clubhouses that change lives.
Teaming up with their talented community to build a Filling Pieces x KLABU Clubhouse in Suriname. Aiming to create a safe space where local culture, education, sports and music can flourish.
Once the clubhouse is built, we will be hosting workshops related to education, music and design there. Supplying the community with all the necessary equipment, including computers, books, art supplies and more. Whilst other amenities, such as clothing and shoes, will also be provided to those in need.
To kick off this collaboration, we are once again releasing a limited edition Football Jersey, featured in our latest “United Spirit” campaign.
Thirty-two talents of all ages and disciplines participated in the campaign, donning the latest KLABU x Filling Pieces “United Spirit” Jersey, and representing the beauty, diversity and prowess of the Surinamese diaspora.
Mostly of Surinamese and Dutch Antille descent, some prolific names include: football legend Michael Reiziger, hockey star Terrance Pieters, FC Utrecht’s Sean Klaiber, rapper Glen Faria, singer Pink Oculus social media star Vonneke, 7x time box world champion Regian Eersel and many more. Including international talents from KLABU, which hope to share the message of Keti Koti with their own community.
KLABU supports refugees through the transformative power of sport.
They build clubhouses that give access to sports, and providing the tools to find relief, pride and happiness.
Each club has its own unique sportswear, co-designed with local communities,
and made available to supporters worldwide who want to play their part.
Projects are currently active in Kalobeyei (Kenya), Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh),
Lesvos (Greece) and closer to the KLABU home in Amsterdam and Ter Apel, the Netherlands.
KLABU doesn’t do this alone - partners and supporters include UNHCR the UN Refugee Agency and
the French football club Paris Saint-Germain.
Proceeds from KLABU’s own sportswear line help to fund the projects and grow a strong club of supporters.
By wearing KLABU, everyone joins their club and help them build their sports projects for
refugees around the world.
Photography:
Martika de Sanders
Talents:
Michael Reiziger, Tessy idehen,
Xavi Joy Mo-Ajok, Cherella Gessel,
Anne Meneya, Mitchel Gray, Glen Faria, Ayesha Djwala, Esperanza Denswil,
Sean Klaiber, Ali Singh, Yahaira Gezius, Thirza King, Maruf Abdhu, Rochelle Perts,
Meredith Joeroeja, Mohammed Bah, Naïmah Janse, Terrance Pieters,
Kenneth ighodalo, Paulinho Chin, Esmeralda Tan, Guillaume Philipbert, Hesdy Lonwijk, Denise Kielholtz Gerges,
Ritchie Saimo, Zoë Livay, Jolly Okhuarobo, Vonneke Bonne, Bappie Kortram,
Nick Snelleman, Regian Eersel.