March is Black History Month. Once again this year, AB celebrates the resilience of the black community. For the second time in a row, AB joins forces with Black History Month Belgium and supports the movement musically in the form of performances, concerts and debates. Furthermore, it is helping to organise the official BHM opening celebration for Brussels.
In 2022, Black History Month Belgium celebrates its fifth anniversary. AB is honoured to be able to join forces with this organisation in its anniversary year. The new edition of Black History Month is fully dedicated to ‘The Power of Assembly’.
Throughout history, black people in Belgium have come together in unity to question established ideas. New ways of being and thinking have been investigated and put into practice. The Covid pandemic and the protests against institutional racism reignited the desire for solidarity. When large groups of people come together spontaneously they create hope for the future. Knowledge and commitment flow together to force political progress. Joining together is a powerful weapon in showing that black people exist and that space must also be created for them.
The same power is also found in smaller moments. When we pray together, play or trade together, but also when we grieve and take care of each other. This month is about documenting these large and small moments.
The BHM x AB programme
AB is tackling this theme along with BHM by literally bringing people together under the banner of music. You can expect a crammed programme involving a series of concert nights, a collaboration with Let’s Talk Belgium and another with photographer Burezi. Keep an eye on our pages as there is more to follow.
WEDS 02.03 – Opening party (music)
For the opening night, we bring people together with music, dancing and market goods! Everyone is welcome! The musical programme includes K.ZIA, WAYI, Shaka Shams, Bart Kobain and Porcelain id. Find out more about this event on our events page.
FRI 04.03 – Club night (music)
The programme includes Reinel Bakole, Dushime, Mahina and M I M I. Find out more about the artists on our events page.
In honour of Black History Month Belgium and International Women’s Day we join forces with Black History Month Belgium (BHM) to discuss the importance of black female representation in the world of music. An international panel comes together on 8 March in the AB Club.
SAT 26.03 - Sebene Night (music)
‘Sebene’ is a typical element found in the Congolese Rumba. Also known as the typical Congolese guitar solo. This night features a live band and dancing, curated by the Antwerp organisation ‘Kingdom of Kela’.
Let’s Talk Belgium (video)
‘Let’s Talk Belgium’ is a social-cultural platform. By entering into dialogue with their surroundings they aim to shed a critical and realistic light on society. Their intention is to inform people and bring them together to build communities.
As part of Black History Month they talk with a number of artists on the programme and a number of people from the music industry.
- https://letstalkbelgium.be/
- https://www.facebook.com/Lets-Talk-Belgium-104514074317493
- https://www.instagram.com/letstalkbelgium/
Photographer: Burezi (photo)
Burezi is a Brussels photographer who can often be found at cultural events and often works with artists in the music landscape (nanaKILL, ONHA etc.)
For Black History Month, we have invited Burezi to take photos at the various concert nights. The photos will be available on our pages following each concert.
