Roel Slofstra

Roel Iete Slofstra, born February 19th, 1939, is a Dutch singer-songwriter and poet. He is primarily known for his work in Frisian - The Netherlands' second official language. He had musical training in Amsterdam and the Hague, but intrigued by Frisian folk culture, he moved back to Friesland in 1969 and started recording. He gained prominence on a regional level by setting religious poems by Fedde Schurer on music, and touring them throughout the province of Friesland. His first two albums are a result of this effort. Some of his works are religious, others have focused on Frisian folk music. Some of his recent works include a contribution to a project in which several Frisian singers have their take on Leonard Cohen classics - translated into Frisian.