Between 23 and 25 February, BOZAR presents the second edition of the Afropolitan festival: a multidisciplined programme over three days dedicated to Afropolitan art, creativity and reflection. The theme is “Black Artlantic”, based on sociologist Paul Gilroy’s concept of ‘Black Atlantic’. It focuses on artists and intellectuals with African roots from Europe and the United States.

Film plays a significant role this year. Damon Davis will highlight the modern-day African-American struggle with his poignant documentary ‘Whose Streets’. Julie Dash will attend the showing of her cult film ‘Daughters of the Dust’ (1991), the first major cinema release ever by a black female film-maker in the US. Beyoncé drew inspiration from this for her video for ‘Lemonade’. The Belgian-Congolese musician and polymath Baloji will premiere his first short fictional film ‘Kaniama tv’ and take part in a conversation with the audience.

Other Belgian-Congolese voices will also be attending. Writer and activist Joëlle Sambi, slam poet Lisette Lombé and Brussels rapper Badi discuss their links to Belgium and Congo in ‘Congo Eza’. In an extensive poem accompanied by the sounds of Congolese rumba, soul and electro they will ask the question: ‘How can I be a child of Congo in the land of Tintin?’

In terms of music, another major headliner is attending this year: Magic System. This band, known for its international hit ‘Bouger Bouger’ among others, celebrates its twentieth anniversary in the Henry Le Boeuf Hall. The four musicians are guaranteed to bring the audience to its feet with their unbridled energy.

The public are also invited to take part in discussions and dance and singing workshops, and to enjoy a number of free concerts (Bai Kamara, Amada Dramé) and after-parties. There are also special workshops for children. The nearby Ravenstein gallery will hold an African market, which will form the starting point for a fashion show ending at the Centre for Fine Arts. The festival is also a good time to view the five glass panels made by the African-American artist Kehinde Wiley on display at BOZAR from February until the end of April.

Overview

FRIDAY 23.02.2018
Film De Paris à Ferguson, coupables d’etre noirs (2016), Rokhaya Diallo
Debate “Black History Month in Belgium?” Part 2
Music Dvtch Norris aka DVTCH Show
Music DJ Boddhi Satva. Afterparty feat. Badi & Les Mybalés

SATURDAY 24.02.2018
Music Magic System
Music Bai Kamara Jr., Mamadou Dramé
Film Whose Streets (2017), Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis
Debate “New Forms of Black Protest“
Theatre / performance “Afropean Project”
Music Black Artlantic Party with DJ Peter Adjaye

SUNDAY 25.02.2018
Film Daughters of the Dust (1997), Julie Dash
Film SideWalk Stories (1989), Charles Lane
Film Première Kaniama Show (2017), Baloji
Performance Congo Eza & Les Mybalés
Music Rodriguez Vangama

23-25.02.2018
Workshops: dance and singing, writing with Joëlle Sambi, Badi and Lisette Lombé
Flashmob – fashion show
Studio Congo Kids
BAM-Brussels African Market Place (Ravensteingallery)
Expo Kehinde Wiley

Bozar – Centre for Fine Arts
Rue Ravensteinstraat 23
1000 Brussel

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