Experience with Stroomversneller: Naomi Sonneveld, founder of TRIBE Hip-Hop Choir

In 2022, Naomi Sonneveld received a grant from Stroomversneller in 2022 for her project TRIBE, the Netherlands’ first hip-hop choir: a collective that brings together various styles of hip-hop music. As executive and artistic director, Naomi, together with her team, leads the choir with a clear mission: to show the Netherlands that hip-hop and a choir are a perfect match. We spoke with her about her work and what Stroomversneller support has meant Stroomversneller TRIBE.

Naomi’s passion for music began in the world of hip-hop dance and later in gospel music. She sang in a gospel choir for years, but realized that the environment didn’t quite suit her. “I missed having peers and modern styles. I was looking for an open choir where everyone could have a say and contribute to what we sang. When, after ten years of searching, I couldn’t find anything, I decided to start it myself.” With support from Rozet, the Hiphop Hub, and startup funding from Stroomversneller , she Stroomversneller her idea into reality. “At some point, you just have to do it.”

The Power of Bottom-Up Initiatives

Naomi wanted to build a community that goes beyond simply singing together in a choir. “It had to be a place where everyone feels welcome and where collaboration and a passion for hip-hop take center stage.” Her experience as a board advisor for the city of Arnhem in the social sector has given her further insight into the power of bottom-up initiatives. “I see how valuable these initiatives are for strengthening social connections. They don’t offer a comprehensive solution, but they do create valuable networks—and I see that reflected in the choir as well.”

In the rapids

Naomi’s first encounter with Stroomversneller through a pitch at the Cultuur Academy. “I found it very refreshing to present my idea interactively. There was room for questions and ideas from Cultuur Academy, and that really gave me a boost.” According to her, Stroomversneller support Stroomversneller all the difference. “Thanks to the grant, we were able to put on our first performances and offer fair pay to everyone. That built confidence within our team and made further growth possible.”

From Performances to Production

Thanks to strong partnerships with organizations such as the Hiphop Hub, Rozet, and ArtEZ, as well as support from Stroomversneller, TRIBE began holding its first auditions and performances. “We worked together on a setlist that allowed participants to contribute their own ideas,” says Naomi. “Our first performances raised our profile and helped us secure additional funding.”

Now TRIBE is ready to take the next step. “We want to delve deeper into our performances and work toward creating our own production. What story do we want to tell? How do we shape that into something with more substance?” To this end, TRIBE is collaborating with Paradiso Melkweg Productiehuis (PMP), which reflects their ambition to become even more professional. "In our previous performances, we’ve already collaborated with artists such as Brainpower, Diggy Dex, and Khalil. That gave us insight into how we can combine artistic styles. Now we’re focusing on sustainable collaborations that will continue to strengthen TRIBE and our partners."

The TRIBE energy

Naomi emphasizes how important her team is to what TRIBE has become today. “I brought the right people together, but the whole team is just as committed to making TRIBE thrive.” Conductor Jozefien Klop is not only a conductor but also a vocal coach, arranger, and songwriter. Oscar Reyers serves as musical coach and bandleader, while Benjamin Thode—better known as Mr. Weazley—coaches the rappers with his unique blend of hip-hop and reggae, bringing a special energy to the collective. The choir members also do their part: Liedeke Taen, for example, provided custom-printed TRIBE T-shirts, and Kevin ten Tij developed the brand identity. “That’s exactly the power of hip-hop,” says Naomi, “everybody has something to bring to the table!”

TRIBE’s energy is contagious. “At the end of a performance, the audience is often on their feet, shining the flashlights on their phones. That enthusiasm is wonderful to see and is exactly what makes TRIBE unique,” says Naomi. “We go beyond just singing; we deliver an experience.” TRIBE’s next performance is during Uitnacht Arnhem at Musis at 9:00 p.m. “We’ll close out the evening after Introdans. It’s a great opportunity to show what we stand for as a choir.”

Tips for Other Creators

Naomi advises creators who also want to bring an idea to life to contact Cultuur Academy. “Email your questions and ideas. Stopping by during the Monday Club or an advisory session can help lower the barrier to getting started. Your doubts will quickly disappear when you talk to someone who can really help you.”

Would you like to learn more or get involved with TRIBE Hiphop Choir? Follow them on Instagram at @tribe_choir or send them a DM. Want to apply for one of our grants? Visit cultuuracademy.fund.

About Stroomversneller

Stroomversneller a grant program that supports new initiatives in their artistic development by giving them room to experiment. The goal is to help these initiatives gain momentum in an accessible way, without too many restrictions or obligations.

Click here for more information about Stroomversneller.