Antwerp-African festival

Op September 20 will it be The Coninckplein in Antwerp transformed into a vibrant meeting place during the Antwerp-African FestivalIn a unique collaboration, more than ten African diaspora organizations bring their projects from International Solidarity to life and invite you to celebrate, discover and connect together.

From the afternoon onwards, you can immerse yourself in a colourful programme full of creative and artistic workshops, also for children. You will walk along a fascinating exhibition, taste authentic dishes from different African regions and enjoy refreshing drinks in a warm, hospitable atmosphere.

When the evening falls, we make room for music, dance and party. Live performances and DJs bring the square to life and ensure an unforgettable ending full of energy and connection.

Come celebrate with us and be touched by the power, culture and rhythm of Africa in Antwerp. Everyone is welcome – admission is free!

Saturday September 20 - from 14 to 21 pm 
The Coninckplein 

Entrance Free

Delicious African food and drinks

From 14pm - continuous

An Antwerp-African party naturally includes delicious meals. Come and taste various dishes from various African regions.

Information stands

From 14pm - continuous

Interactive stands about the beautiful projects of International Solidarity of the various participating organizations that are active in different African countries and regions: ABC, ASK, Amuka, Anidaso Abusua, Behind Mary Gift Wall Foundation, Bekribu, Femmes qui rêvent grand, Igbo Union, Kaze Nawe, Lifaco, O' mints Foundation, SamEn

Homesick – Red Star Line Museum
14.30:XNUMX pm to  16.30 Hours

The Red Star Line Museum tells stories about migration. Past and present. In the Red Star Line buildings you can still feel the emotions of hope, pain and dreams.

Homesickness is a common thread in the many migration stories we tell. It is a feeling that has connected people throughout the ages, regardless of their background or era. 

In the workshop you will get to work on celebrating your own homesickness. You will make a scented homesickness bag, a tangible reminder of what you love.

Connection – Clémentine, Art Practice Niwé
14.30:XNUMX pm to  16.30 Hours

Clémentine explores the cultural connection to 'home', the ways in which identity, memories and traditions come together in a sense of homecoming. Using various media and techniques, she visualizes personal and collective experiences, and explores how these influences shape our relationship to the place where we feel at home. Her work invites us to reflect on the meaning of 'home' in an ever-changing world. And how art can serve as a bridge between different cultures and experiences.

Clémentine's motifs are a translation of the two cultures in which she grew up, namely the Rwandan and the Belgian. The organic form reflects the Western culture, while the geometric form represents more the African culture (inspired by the Kuba people in Congo and their textiles). 
Initially they are perceived separately, but as they develop the forms come closer together to create a new world in which she feels at home.

In the workshop, Clémentine will guide you in designing a motif that is truly unique to you and your story. 

Book presentation by Sandrine Ekofo

Kimia in the heart of Congo
a story about Belgium's colonial past 
by Sandrine Ekofo, Benjamin Goyvaers, Paul de Moor and with illustrations by Shamisa Debroey

“Are the white men staying?” asks Kimia.
“They're staying,” her mother says.
“Are the past over?” asks Kimia.
“Nothing will ever be the same again,” her mother says.

Kimia is six years old when white spirits arrive in her village. We follow her life in colonial Congo. Kimia's story is supplemented with facts about Congo and life before, during, and after colonization.

Kimia's story presents Belgium's colonial history in Congo in a compelling and moving way. This book is important for children and young adults, but I hope it will also reach parents and teachers.
- Nadia Nsayi, political scientist and writer

Expo: Antwerp for International Solidarity 
From 14 p.m. – continuously – in Permeke Library

The city of Antwerp has many changemakers who are committed locally to international solidarity. 11.11.11 brings a series of portraits of some of those changemakers. Each portrait represents an organization that receives support from the City of Antwerp for the development of their international project.

We also call these changemakers by their first names. Aden, Gerdi, Elisabeth, Ama, Emma, ​​Annick, Yohannes and Inge are committed to humanity, each in their own way. Because humanity has a first name.

11.11.11 stands up for all those people who hide behind stories of exploitation.

For Ahmet and Acheni and Esther and Khaled and Uwezo.

Shoulder to shoulder with Aden, Gerdi, Elisabeth, Ama, Emma, ​​Annick, Yohannes and Inge – and many other people who make a difference – we fight for a human life for everyone1.

Xanthy 
17 Hours

Xanthy  is an upcoming artist from Antwerp who brings English-language rap and R&B. With a unique sound and a growing international fan base, he guarantees an immersive live experience.

Rafil
17.15 Hours

Rafil will also be present at the Antwerp-African party. The Belgian artist from Antwerp left bank is 21 years old and still has many tracks to release. You may know Rafil from his track 'Pesten' for the Stip-it Campagne of Ketnet or from 'Loesoe' his last released track.

Dede Kay
19 Hours

Nigerian Dede Kay brings a unique mix of Afro, Reggae and Dancehall. 

Musically, she was inspired in her native country by icons such as Daddy Showkey and Ras Kimono, with whom she also collaborated. More than 20 years ago, she moved to Belgium, where she became the frontwoman of the band African Temptation, later going solo and soon playing the opening act for Beres Hammond. 

Last year a new live band was put together and they bring an irresistible mix of Dancehall, Reggae and Urban vibes. With the live band Dede Kay brings an exciting show that will lift the energy of the audience to new heights.

She promises to make the Antwerp-African festival an unforgettable musical experience and to make the event shine with her unique vibe and energetic performances!

DJ SAHЯA
20 Hours

DJ SAHЯA started her DJ journey 6 years ago, driven by her passion for music. She quickly made a name for herself and grew into a permanent fixture in the socio-cultural sector throughout Belgium. A year later, she became tour DJ for neo-soul singer IKRAAAN.

In 2022, SAHЯA made her international breakthrough, with bookings in Spain and the Netherlands. A highlight was her performance as the opening act for her teen idols, TLC. During her summer tour, she shone at major festivals such as Tomorrowland, Rock Werchter, Sfinks, Polé Polé at the Gentse Feesten, and Pukkelpop. Her success continued to grow in 2023, with performances throughout Belgium, Spain, and Austria. She was scheduled for festivals such as WeCanDance, Ostend Beach, Afro-Latino, Gentse Feesten, and Full Circle.

In addition to her career as a DJ, SAHЯA is a clinical psychologist. She tries to explore and strengthen the link between music and mental health, by bridging her two passions. SAHЯA is known for her energetic sets, which effortlessly get the audience moving. Just like in therapy, she creates an atmosphere during the Antwerp-African party in which you can completely let go and fully immerse yourself in the music.