The registration fee is €3, but you will receive this amount back in the form of a drink token upon arrival. Don't miss this talk—sign up now!
This talk will be held in English.

Join us for a dynamic conversation on crafting meaningful and authentic public personas for Black artists in the Belgian music industry. This talk will delve into the experiences of Black artists and professionals, shedding light on key insights, challenges, and opportunities that come with building a genuine artistic identity while navigating industry expectations. Moderated by Olga Briard from Black History Month Belgium, the panel discussion will delve into key themes including:

• Navigating authentic artistic expression
• Crafting a public persona at the intersection of creativity, branding, and storytelling 
• Striking a balance between cultural roots, hypervisibility, and industry demands in the Belgian context.

Featuring a mix of industry leaders and talented artists, this talk will offer fresh perspectives on authenticity, artistry, and perseverance in the music scene. Don't miss the chance to ask your questions during the Q&A!
Registration to the talk grants access to the DJ set following the discussion.

Our speakers:

Oriana Ikomo
Brussels-based artist Oriana Ikomo blends minimalist R&B beats, ambient jazz tones, and soft yet powerful melodies to craft a deeply personal and cinematic sound. Her music, including standout tracks like ‘IF’ (featured in TV series Roomies), ‘You’, and ‘Beautiful Sister’, showcases a cross-border artistic vision. Having made waves on Sound Track and De Nieuwe Lichting, Oriana is quickly cementing her place as one of Belgium’s most exciting emerging voices.

Pamela Evbuomwan
A music media and diversity advocate, Pamela is actively working within Flemish public service media to create more inclusive platforms that highlight Belgium’s immense talent. With a background in festival communications, concert programming, and cultural inclusion, she brings a keen insight into the ways Black artists can navigate and shape the evolving music industry.

Renaldi Diombo
Creative consultant, social media strategist, and co-founder of BLCKLB agency, Renaldi has over six years of experience in copywriting, PR, and digital branding. She has worked with names like Bomboclat Festival, Dour Festival, Coely, GR€Y, and Morane Miangue, helping artists and creatives sharpen their public presence. Passionate about empowering underrepresented voices, she equips artists with the tools to master their own narrative and brand identity.

Shaka Shams
Shaka Shams is a Belgian-South African rapper, producer, and visual artist who blends hip-hop, drum and bass, house, and soul into a genre-defying sound. Growing up between Antwerp, the UK, and South Africa, he shaped his unique artistic voice from a young age, inspired by icons like Nas, André 3000, and Erykah Badu. With a nostalgic yet futuristic flow, Shaka won De Nieuwe Lichting 2022, landed sync placements in RTBF’s Fils De and GoPlay’s Hacked series, and became a rising force in Belgium’s rap scene. His Action Only EP series documents his artistic evolution, proving that Shaka is only getting started.

Black History Month Belgium 2025: "B(l)ack to Our Roots"
This year’s multidisciplinary socio-cultural festival by Black History Month Belgium embraces a theme layered with meaning: "B(l)ack to Our Roots." The phrase is a conscious play on words, symbolising a strong desire to return to the festival's foundational purpose for Black communities— a celebration of heritage, identity, diversity, and creativity. It also invites a thoughtful exploration of ancestral legacies, cultural histories, and the wisdom passed down through generations.
For Black people in the Diaspora, returning to our roots is not just identity seeking, it is also meaning-making and a continuous journey of (re)discovery, which will be the unifying thread of this BHMB 2025 edition. Expect meaningful community conversations that will dive into the heart of pressing issues impacting our daily lives, alongside joyful gatherings celebrating creativity through live shows, performances, film screenings, and exhibitions. Recognising the importance of rest and healing, the 2025 programme will also offer dedicated moments throughout the month to help the community recharge and reconnect.
Black History Month Belgium not only celebrates the rich diversity of Black communities in the Belgian context but also highlights the different migration journeys that unite them. Honouring the cultures connected to ancestral roots goes hand in hand with fostering solidarity. As such, the 2025 edition also seeks to inspire awareness and support for those still facing hardships in places like the Congo, Sudan, and beyond. The festival invites attendees to reflect, connect, and engage in meaningful global solidarity.