Calendar

Put on your warmest socks, wrap yourself in your coziest scarves, and gather all your courage to exchange the cold December streets for the warm atmosphere of Kuumba. On December 7th, we kick off the festive month with a series of cozy concerts to help us warm up. We’ll sing along with the classic pop hits brought to us by the band 5NonBlondes. Prefer to drift away with darker vibes? Then Tasha B, with her post-punk and cold wave, is the perfect choice for you!

This month, we also want to make sure no one is left behind. That’s why we’re supporting initiatives like the NPO Change. On December 14th, we’ll start with a conference organized by Change ASBL, where several organizations will speak about supporting families and youth from single-parent households. These families are often at an increased risk of delinquency, poverty, and challenging living conditions.

Additionally, OutSpoken brings us together monthly for a fun and accessible writing session, with an optional open mic for those who want to share their thoughts. This time, the theme will be “Joyfull Joyfull.”

The rest of the month, we’re calling for a Party! Even though we don’t all celebrate in the same way, at Kuumba, we can share festive moments with music and coziness in our Kuumba Café.

We’ll wrap up 2024 with a grand celebration at the NEW YEAR'S EVE @ KUUMBA – HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025! Put on your glitter boots, flip-flops, clogs, or even your slippers if you’re thinking, "2024 was... uuhh..." Because at our place, everyone is welcome, no matter how you feel! Expect a delicious buffet, live music, and lots of dancing until the early hours.

Have learning a new language on your list for 2025? We have great news! In addition to Lingala and Swahili, we’ll also be offering Kikongo starting in February. Registration is open! Got questions? Send an email to info@kuumba.be or feel free to drop by for an info session:

Info session for Lingala and Kikongo: January 22, 2025 [18:00 - 20:00]
Info session for Swahili: January 24, 2025 [17:30 - 19:30]

Agenda 12/24

07/12 Concert: Music and dancing, for the young at heart
Let yourself be swept away on a musical journey full of energy. Tasha B brings us post-punk, cold wave, and dark vibes with a refreshing energy that lights up the night. 5 Non-Blondes (5NB) brings us the best classics from the '80s to today. After the performances, a DJ set follows. Come for the music, dance, and stay for the vibe!

[21:00 – 23:30] Tasha B followed by 5 Non-Blondes
[23:30 – 01:00] DJ set

14 / 12 CONFERENCE: ALONE IN THE FACE OF DESTINY
Change ASBL:
We have found that most urban gangs are formed by children from single-parent households, often because they don’t receive the necessary attention from their parents, who are forced to work hard to meet the family’s needs. These children then turn to the streets, seeking a new family but sometimes fall into harmful circles involved in drug dealing and organized crime.
To fight against these phenomena, CHANGE ASBL organizes an exchange moment between youth, parents, and various specialized structures.

Key topics include:

• Promoting youth education
• Preventing juvenile delinquency
• Raising awareness about the consequences of urban gangs
• Contributing to a safe and inclusive environment
• Socio-professional reintegration
• Psychological and legal support

The conference will be in French only.

[14:30 – 18:00]
Address: Passerstraat 5, 1070 Anderlecht
Contact: +32 472 55 68 84 CHANGEASBL@GMAIL.COM

20/12 OutSpoken: Joyfull Joyfull
End the year with us in a warm and personal way. OutSpoken offers a monthly stage for spoken word in Brussels. Come listen to inspiring stories and powerful words, or bring your own contribution. Whether you come to enjoy or share your creations, we are happy to welcome you!

[18:30 – 20:00] Writing session
[20:30 – 22:30] Open Mic

31/12 OUDEJAARSAVOND @ KUUMBA HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025! 
No plans for New Year's Eve yet? Quickly book a table at Kuumba and celebrate the transition to 2025 in Congolese style! Experience a special end to 2024 and a festive start to the new year. Our volunteers will provide you with a Congolese culinary experience in a cozy atmosphere, with a rumba band and surprise performances. Come with friends or family and enjoy this magical time of year to the fullest!

Reservations: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZZmpGcslgndj65M_rnUxv9d2TlIHuKq5tznvXGtxC53Y_PQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

[19:30 – early hours]

All-inclusive Culinary Menu
We’ll welcome you with a delicious cocktail from 19:30. Buffet dinner from 21:00 to 23:00:

• Starter: Salad and samosa
• Main dish: Pondu, chicken moambé, goat meat, fish, fried rice, white rice, plantains, and a surprising Congolese dish.
• Drinks during dinner and until midnight: wine, soft drinks (cola, cola zero, fanta, tonic, fruit juices), cava, Jupiler.
• Dessert: Fruit, beignet, pastries.

Line-up
[20:30 – 21:00] Traditional Congolese performance with Joseph
[22:30 – 00:15] K Zaire – Rumba band
[00:30 – Late] Dance party with DJ Papy Tubadi

Price
Adults: €65
Children (up to 12 years old): €35
Couples: €120

This price includes:
Party menu with dancing and DJ
Drinks during dinner (until 23:00)
Don't miss this party and celebrate the new year the Congolese way at Kuumba! Quickly reserve your place for an evening of culinary indulgence, music, and dance.

We look forward to sharing a warm and festive December with you!

Let yourself be swept away on a musical journey full of energy. Tasha B brings us post-punk, cold wave, and dark vibes with a refreshing energy that lights up the night. 5 Non-Blondes (5NB) brings us the best classics from the '80s to today. After the performances, a DJ set follows. Come for the music, dance, and stay for the vibe!

[21:00 – 23:30] Tasha B followed by 5 Non-Blondes
[23:30 – 01:00] DJ set

We invite you to a conference at Kuumba, organized by Change ASBL Belgium !
This conference focuses on organizations that provide support to families and young people from single-parent families, who are more likely to face delinquency, poverty, and challenging living conditions.

Change ASBL Belgium:
"We have found that most delinquent groups form with children from single-parent families, often because they do not receive the necessary attention from their parents, who are alone and forced to work hard to provide for the family’s needs. These children then turn to the streets, looking for a new family, but sometimes fall into harmful circles involved in drug sales and organized crime.
To combat these phenomena, 'Change ASBL Belgium' is organizing an exchange session between young people, parents, and various specialized organizations.

We will discuss important topics such as:

• Promoting youth education
• Preventing juvenile delinquency
• Raising awareness of the consequences of delinquent groups
• Contributing to a safe and inclusive environment
• Socio-professional reintegration
• Psychological and legal support

14:30 - 18:00
Passerstraat 5, 1070 Anderlecht

Admission is free. Come join us for a day full of exchange and shared insights!

Hello everyone! Great news for language enthusiasts!

In February 2025, our language courses in Lingala, Kikongo, and Swahili will begin. These courses are offered in a module of 10 lessons. Want to learn more or register? Join our information sessions:

• Lingala and Kikongo: 22/01/25 from 18:00 to 20:00
• Swahili: 24/01/25 from 17:30 to 19:30

Location: Passerstraat 5, 1070 Anderlecht

For a module of 10 lessons, you pay €100. Please transfer this amount to our bank account: IBAN: BE14 7310 5761 9183, mentioning your name and the chosen course (LI/SWA).

For more information, send an email to info@kuumba.be.
The Lingala course instructor is Mr. Gerard Matondo (matondogerard@gmail.com).
The Swahili and Kikongo course instructor is Mr. Daniel Tuyizere (dtuyizere@gmail.com).

We hope to see you there!