Gilles Peterson, Nicole Willis, Theo Parrish, DJ Spinna, Lefto, Zara McFarlane, Esperanzah (Pink Oculus), iET, Ge-Ology, Wonder Allen Smith, Sevdaliza and Ntjam Rosie recite lines from a love poem written by Wonder that seems to transcend time and space.

An ode to Rotterdam’s music history

The poem is connected to Rotterdam’s music history, but is still firmly rooted in the now, enhanced by the voices of contemporary musical heroes and heroines. The poem is written and performed from the perspective of a jazz musician who has just arrived at his current destination.

Rotterdam and Jazz

Rotterdam and jazz have been inextricably linked for decades. Black musicians started arriving in Rotterdam with nothing more than a suitcase and a dream before the Second World War. After their transatlantic journey they soon became part of the thriving Rotterdam jazz scene.

BIRD is an exponent of this rich musical tradition and a new chapter in Rotterdam’s music history.