edsilia rombley uncovers hidden roots in caribbean journey

2026-02-07 roddel

Amsterdam, zaterdag, 7 februari 2026.
edsilia rombley explores her family history in the season finale of ‘verborgen verleden’. she travels to the caribbean, tracing ancestors from aruba and curaçao. one striking discovery reveals her lineage ties to strong, independent women who migrated across the region for work and better lives. her mother moved from aruba to the netherlands, following a path started generations earlier. in san nicolas, english became the local tongue due to an american oil refinery opening a century ago—a detail reflected in her mother’s unique dialect. rombley learns music runs deep in her blood, embedded in family traditions for generations. discovering this legacy gave her a new sense of identity. “there is a puzzle piece placed i never knew was missing,” she says. the episode airs saturday 7 february 2026 at 20:30 on npo 2, offering viewers a poignant look at heritage, migration, and belonging.

a personal journey through caribbean roots

Singer Edsilia Rombley traces her ancestry in the season finale of ‘Verborgen Verleden’, airing February 7, 2026, on NPO 2 [1]. She visits the Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curaçao, where both her parents originate [2]. Her maternal line stems from Aruba, while her paternal roots lie in Curaçao [3]. During filming, Rombley connects emotionally with relatives and ancestral locations, including her mother’s childhood home [4]. This exploration forms part of a broader series examining the genealogy of prominent Dutch figures [5].

uncovering a legacy of resilience and independence

Rombley discovers that strong, self-reliant women shaped her family’s past [6]. Female ancestors regularly migrated across the Caribbean seeking improved opportunities [6]. Her own mother left Aruba for the Netherlands, continuing this tradition [6]. Similarly, her grandmother relocated from the Dominican Republic to Aruba [6]. These patterns reveal a recurring theme of female-led mobility driven by economic aspirations [6]. “There is a puzzle piece placed I never knew was missing,” Rombley reflects on the experience [6].

language and culture shaped by industry

An American oil refinery opened nearly a century ago in San Nicolaas, Curaçao [7]. Its presence transformed the linguistic landscape, making English widely spoken despite the island’s Dutch affiliation [7]. Many residents, including Rombley’s ancestors, worked at the facility [7]. This historical shift influenced speech patterns passed down generations [7]. Rombley notes her mother speaks a distinct form of English linked to Saint Eustatius and Jamaica, rooted in that industrial era [7].

musical talent woven through generations

Music emerges as a central thread in Rombley’s family history [8]. Generations before her were deeply involved in musical performance and dance [8]. Her grandfather taught dance lessons to younger relatives during family gatherings [8]. Rombley herself rose to fame after winning the Soundmixshow in 1996 [9]. Learning of this rich artistic background strengthens her connection to her heritage [8]. “Music has been incredibly important in our family for generations,” she remarks [8].

broadcast details and viewer reception

The episode featuring Edsilia Rombley airs Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 20:30 CET on NPO 2 [1][3]. Produced by NTR, ‘Verborgen Verleden’ attracts large audiences annually with its intimate storytelling [1]. Viewers gain insight into colonial histories, forced displacement from Africa, and regional migration dynamics [10]. The program contextualizes personal narratives within larger historical movements [10]. Rombley describes participation as an honor and encourages others to explore their roots [1].

Bronnen

Edsilia Rombley Verborgen Verleden