This report was provided by Laurent Leemans and Angel Romero

Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but it is also one of the government seats of the European union. It is a city where many languages are spoken, especially French, Flemish, and English. One of the most influential world music labels in the European continent, Crammed Discs, is based there. Crammed put Eastern European music Gypsy music on the world music map.

Venues:

Music clubs that regularly program World & Folk music:

La Tentation, Rue de Laeken, 28 - 1000 Brussels

Flagey, Place Sainte-Croix, 1050 Brussels.

Festivals:

Brussels hosts one of the largest world music festivals in Europe, Couleur Café. It is usually held between June and early July. 

Another festival, Eu'ritmix Summer Festival, includes Jazz and World Music. It is usually held in August. 

Radio:

Le Monde Est Un Village - Didier Mélon - RTBF - local 4J29 - 1044 Brussels.

De Grote Boodschap - Jan Vanlangendonck - Radio 1 - VRT - Reyerslaan - 1044 Brussels.

BRTN has a world music show hosted by Zjakki Willems, who is a member of the European World Music Chart panel. Address: Zjakki Willems, c/o BRTN, August Reyerslaan 52, B - 1043 Brussels, Belgium.

Radio Panik 105.4 FM, a non-commercial station, has many alternative shows feature non-Belgian music. Michel Goedart produces 3 radio programs, in French language: Musiques du Monde : 2 hours a week - ethnic & traditional  music; Métissages : 1 hour a week - crossroad world music; Il était une fois : 1 hour a week - storytelling & world music. Address: Michel Goedart, 19 Vanderlinden Straat, 1030 Brussels, Belgium. E-mail: rpm@skynet.be. The station also has a Latin music show called Color Latino.

RTBF has a world music show hosted by Brigitte Grafe, who is a member of the European World Music Chart panel. Address: Brigitte Grafe, R.T.B.F., 15 Avenue Capitaine Piret, B - 1150 Brussels, Belgium.

RTBF has a world music show hosted by Olivier Frey, who is a member of the European World Music Chart panel. Address: Olivier Frey, RTBF, Radio Bruxelles-capitale, Local 4J27, 52 Bd Reyers, B - 1044 Brussels, Belgium.

Psyche Van Het Folk in Antwerp broadcasts on 106.7 FM from 20:00 to 22:00.

Record labels:

Crammed Discs is located at 43 rue General Patton, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. Phone: +32 2 640 7914, Fax: +32 2 648 8369. E-mail: crammed@crammed.be

Fonti Musicali has albums by Guinean artist Mamady Keita. Address: Rue Jean d'Ardennestraat 33, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. Phone: +32-2-511-6772, Fax: +32-2-511-4186. E-mail: fonti.musicali@skynet.be.

Music schools:

Tam Tam Mandingue is a drumming school focusing on Manding music, primarily jembes and dununs. It is run by Guinean drummer Mamady Keita. Mailing address: Tam Tam Mandingue, Veronique Keita, Chaussee D'Alsemberg 97, Boite 31, 1630 Linkebeek, Belgium. Phone/Fax : +32 - 2 - 380.72.03.

Booking agencies:

Contre Jour is an agency specializing in artists from West Africa. E-mail: michel.debock@contrejour.com & genevieve@contrejour.com. Represents: Habib Koite, the Drums of Brazza, Foofango, Wendo Kolosay, Coco Malabar.

Tsahara Productions specializes in world, jazz and funk music. Address: Vijverstraat 111, 1040 Brussels, Belgium. Phone: +32 2 513 75 99, Fax:+32 2 513 35 26. E-mail: booking@tsahara.com. Represents: Shiv Kumar Sharma, Mory Kanté (Benelux), James Taylor Quartet (Germany, Austria, Benelux), Slapbak, Tania Maria (Benelux), Bzzz Pük, Chris Joris Experience, Clave Del Son, Cumbre, Omar (Benelux, Germany), Galaxy, Jaipur Kawa Brass Band (Benelux).

Zig Zag World represents Cuban and African artists. Address: Rue P.E. Janson 9, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium. Phone: +32-2-537-2525, Fax: +32-2-538-1117. E-mail:zzworld@pophost.eunet.be.

And finally, some portal sites about world & folk in Belgium:

http://www.volksmuziek.be
http://www.mthijskens.be/folktribune
http://www.folkspot.be
http://www.folkroddels.be
http://users.skynet.be/canard.folk
http://www.bourdonske.be

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Last Updated 06/21/2006 07:35PM; 3,816 Hits