A festival in the heart of Brussels to celebrate 20 years of solidarity!
Since 2005, Music Fund enables thousands of children around the world to learn music in good conditions. To mark its 20th anniversary, the association is organising the REPAIR > WE PLAY mini-festival on 25 April 2026 at the incredible Usquare location (Brussels), a stone’s throw from Etterbeek train station.
Concerts, workshops, exhibitions, collection of music instruments and round-table discussions will be on the programme of this festive day, dedicated to solidarity, sustainability and bringing people together. Culture by and for everyone, here and now. Give Music A Chance!
PROGRAM OF THE DAY
10:00 – 20:00 (non-stop) > Exhibition
Languages: French / Dutch / English
In Palestine, Mozambique, in the east of Democratic Republic of Congo and Haiti, conflict and instability are rampant. In these contexts, playing music allows people to forget about their daily struggles, to forge bonds and imagine a different future. Shehada Shalalda, Ozias Macoo, Zacar Tabaro, Didier Bulonza and Hérold Jean-Pierre have decided to dedicate their life to music instruments and to support music-making at their own level. They are instrument makers, repairers, teachers and entrepreneurs. This exhibition tells their stories, which are tales of resilience, determination and creativity.
Themes: Music / Craftsmanship / International solidarity
10:00 – 20:00 (non-stop) > Collection and repair of musical instruments
Would you like to give practical support to young musicians on the other side of the world? Do you have a saxophone you no longer play, a double bass or a drum kit taking up space? Bring them to Usquare and donate them to Music Fund!
Throughout the day, instrument makers will collect music instruments brought in by the public and repair them on the spot, ready to be sent to one of the projects supported by the association.
11:00 – 12:30 > Round-table discussion: Cultural rights
Language: French
This round-table discussion aims to open up a space for dialogue and reflection on the issue of cultural rights as set out in the 2001 declaration of the International Music Council.
Speakers:
* Peter de Caluwe, cultural entrepreneur and former managing director of the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie / Belgium
* Guillaume Bisimwa, cultural entrepreneur and director of the Amani Festival in Goma / DRC
* NN
* NN
11:30 – 13:30 > Introduction to music instrument repair
Languages: French / Dutch / English
Do you want to discover musical instruments from a different angle? This workshop invites you to learn the practical skills needed for tuning and simple maintenance of instruments, alongside experienced luthiers and repairers. No prior knowledge is required; just a will to learn!
A journey for young and old alike, ages 10 and up.
Upon registration (maximum 8 participants).
14:00 – 15:30 > Round-table discussion: Sustainable instrument making
Language: English
Speakers:
* Shehada Shalalda, quartet luthier / Palestine
* Ozias Macoo, mbira luthier (traditional Mozambican instrument) / Mozambique
* Fany Reyre-Ménard, quartet luthier and president of CSFI (Trade Association for Musical Instrument Makers) / France
* Jacques Carbonneaux, guitar luthier and president of IAM (Initiative Arbre et Musique) / France
In collaboration with the Sound Fabriek Club collective
15:30 – 16:30 > Concert – Matchume Zango (MOZ)
Originally from the district of Zandamela in the province of Inhambane (Mozambique), Matchume Zango grew up surrounded by the musical traditions of the Chopi people and developed a genuine passion for traditional music, particularly percussion. A graduate of the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in music performing, he plays and produces instruments such as the timbila, mbira, xitende and djembe, working alongside great traditional masters. In 2017, he released his first solo album, entitled ‘Wata M’cande’. Today, he tours the world as a musician and composer of traditional Chopi music, as well as experimental and fusion music. As an ambassador for Mozambican music and culture, he plays, teaches and develops artistic projects in various countries in Africa, Europe and Asia. He also collaborates with artists of all nationalities in the fields of music, theatre, dance and cinema.
Feat. Matchume Zango (mbira, timbila, chitende) & Ozias Macoo (mbira luthier)
16:30 – 18:30 > Introduction to music instrument repair
Languages: French / Dutch / English
Do you want to discover musical instruments from a different angle? This workshop invites you to learn the practical skills needed for tuning and simple maintenance of instruments, alongside experienced luthiers and repairers. No prior knowledge is required; just a will to learn!
A journey for young and old alike, ages 10 and up.
Upon registration (maximum 8 participants).
20:00 > Concert – Carte blanche to Rodriguez Vangama (DRC)
Rodriguez Vangama and his band will close the day with a concert featuring the Kinshasa guitarist’s signature style. The programme includes a preview of a series of tracks from his new album, Empire Kongo, which delves into the musical roots of the Kingdom of Kongo. Blending tradition and modernity, Rodriguez Vangama explores the diverse influences that have shaped Afro Jazz and Rumba since the deportations of slavery. Accompanying him on this journey where heritage rhymes with groove, the guitarist celebrates diversity and dialogue by sharing the stage with singer Renette Désir, a figure of contemporary Haitian music nourished by gospel, reggae and poetry.
Feat. Rodriguez Vangama (guitar) & Les Salop’arts, Renette Désir (vocals)
Doors open 19:00. Ticket rates Pay What You Can : 8 € / 15 € / 30 € > Tickets
Eat healthy while supporting a good cause!
The Ralliement des Fourchettes Solidarity Food Truck is joining the REPAIR > WE PLAY festival with gusto and commitment. Throughout the year, this wonderful association fights food insecurity by offering healthy, nutritious meals at a reduced price, prepared as much as possible from unsold produce, in a spirit of dignity, circularity and social connection. During the festival, the team will treat you to delicious arayes (stuffed Syrian breads): each purchase will directly contribute to funding their social mission and continuing to distribute solidarity meals in the field. www.ralliementdesfourchettes.be
