During this event, The DomiKnow spotlights spoken word, rap, and storytelling from artists with a cultural connection to colonization and slavery. Performers will reclaim silenced narratives, reflecting both the pain and beauty of their heritage. Representing cultures from Maluku, Curaçao, Surinam, Ethiopia, Cape Verde, the US, and beyond, these artists share a common purpose: breaking both the visible and invisble systems that have long divided people and our own minds. Through poetry, music, and movement, The DomiKnow aims to uplift stories of survival, resistance, and empowerment. This is more than a performance—it’s an act of decolonization, a chance to amplify our own voices. YOUR STORY, YOUR VOICE! Join us for an unforgettable night of creativity, strength and unity, as we envision a future where minds are free from colonization.
About the performers…
Cameleon | @cameleon_spoken_word / @the_domiknow
Host and initiator of The DomiKnow, Cameleon is a spoken word artist with roots in the Maluku islands, also known as the Spice Islands. Her vibrant energy and distinctive voice always carry a hint of that spice. “Your story, your voice!”
Blesz | @bleszbeats
BLESZ is an Amsterdam-based sound designer, producer, and artist with Surinamese and Curaçaoan roots. His style is versatile yet recognizable, with a talent for making a wide range of topics relatable to his audience. BLESZ connects with listeners while inspiring and motivating them.
Monu | @monu2wavy
He doesn’t want to make it easy to describe himself, so three lines won’t suffice. With that said, Monu’s persona shines through in his performances. With Surinamese roots, he’ll surprise you with rap and spoken word.
Tate Maas | @tatemaas
Tatenda Chimhanda is a cross-cultural poet and spoken word artist. Born in Zimbabwe, raised in the UK, and maturing in the Netherlands, he writes about loss, shame, guilt, identity, love, and lust—drawing inspiration from the people he’s met and the experiences he’s shared.
TonTon Biscuits | @tonton_biscuits
Aaron, known as TonTon Biscuits, has roots in Congo. He tells the stories of those long forgotten, taking audiences on vivid journeys to places the mainstream media seldom shows, offering a lively and immersive experience.
Denk Neni | @denk_neni
Originally from Ethiopia and currently residing in Rotterdam, Denk Neni is a spoken word artist. His work focuses on themes of love, pain, revolutionary thought, resistance, and imagining a utopia where true equality exists—where neither Black, white, Arab, nor Asian is superior.
Leyora Selena Manupassa | @leyoramanu
“My name is Leyora Selena Manupassa, and I have carried this name proudly for 17 years.” She is passionate about poetry and the creative space it provides. Her diverse cultures, relationships, experiences, and growth serve as her greatest sources of inspiration.
Raquel Palmas | @rockwell826
Raquel Palmas is a Black queer comedian based in Amsterdam, originally from New York. Currently a cast member at Boom Chicago, she enjoys creating comedy that reflects the state of the world and challenges injustice. You might even hear her sing a comedic song—or five!
LiDaMo | @lidamocreations
A poet dedicated to capturing the intricate emotions of life, LiDaMo is preparing to launch a book series in October. The series includes four deeply personal titles: My Light, My Darkness, My Mood, and My Echo—chronicling her journey through pain, healing, and self-discovery.
Ilidia Medina | @ilidiamedina
Ilidia Medina expresses her emotions through dance and spoken word, while embarking on a journey through the many layers of her Cape Verdean heritage.
Look back at ‘Decolonise and Unite!’
For the Week Against Racism 2024, The DomiKnow presented an evening of spoken word, rap and dance performed by artists from communities that have a connection to colonisation and/or slavery. Each performer will share their own narrative, from their own perspective, as they unite on one stage.
Artists from Maluku, Curaçao, Surinam, Cape Verde and Congo, will represent their cultures while also supporting each other. Let’s break the systems of colonization and ‘divide and rule’ by standing together!
