WILLEMSTAD - Musician Russel Soleana of the group Issoco was awarded the Premio Boeli van Leeuwen 2025 last night during a ceremony held at the Cathedral Labyrinth of Thorns at Landhuis Bloemhof.

Soleana received the prestigious honor in recognition of his lifelong contribution to preserving and renewing Curaçao’s rich musical heritage.

Over 50 Years of Music

For more than five decades, Soleana has dedicated himself to safeguarding traditional Afro-Curaçaoan music. He is one of the island’s foremost masters of the benta, a traditional string instrument, and was a student of the late cultural icon and maestro Elis Juliana.

Soleana is especially known for his work in Muzik di Zumbi — a form of Afro-Curaçaoan music rooted in African traditions and shaped by the island’s history of slavery.

Founder of Issoco

In 1982, Soleana co-founded the group Issoco together with Ruchi Isidora and Juchi Cordoba — the name combining the first letters of their given names. The ensemble blends the haunting tones of the benta with traditional rhythms, poetry, and dance.

Under Soleana’s leadership, Issoco brought Muzik di Zumbi to international audiences, performing in several countries and introducing global listeners to Curaçao’s spiritual and cultural soundscape.

Cultural Legacy

Beyond being a musician, Soleana is also a composer, teacher, and amateur anthropologist. He is widely recognized as a champion of Afro-Curaçaoan cultural heritage — a pioneer who continues to inspire new generations to embrace and celebrate their spiritual and musical roots.

The Premio Boeli van Leeuwen, named after the renowned Curaçaoan writer and thinker, honors individuals who make an exceptional contribution to the island’s culture, arts, and identity.