After a summer residency at Zinnema with JES Brussels, three curators - Katrina, KZ and Sanders - bring seven emerging artists from Brussels to AB Club on Sat 1 Nov 2025. We asked Katrina how the curation came together, why this platform matters, and who to watch.
How did you come into BIG in BXL as a curator?
Katrina: I actually knew BIG in BXL from the inside. I performed as a dancer at the very first edition back in 2018 (at Beursschouwburg). More recently I started spending time in the JES Brussels studios, saw the old poster, and the team asked if I wanted to discover the organisational side. I was in. For this edition I teamed up with Sanders and KZ. It’s our first time organising.
What was your curation process?
Katrina: We kicked off with a larger group meeting – about 15-20 people – and from there distilled a seven-artist line-up. Some artists were on board from the start; others we hand-picked. Our criteria were simple but important: gender balance and stylistic breadth. We wanted the bill to reflect Brussels – slam and jazz next to neo-soul, R&B and different faces of hip hop. Also, a mix of full-band performances and DJ/backer set-ups to show the range.
“We wanted to create a community, not just a show.” — Katrina
What happened during the Zinnema residency?
Katrina: It was a one-week intensive in early July. We worked on stage presence & movement, using space, reading the room. I worked on vocal coaching with a few artists for whom it made sense. The artists got to explore the depths of writing and artistic vision, and how to project themselves and define their direction. Finally, we explored some basics of the industry: what’s a tech rider? how do you talk to sound & light? how do you build an artistic CV? But ultimately, it was also about meeting each other and forming real links. Brussels has so much talent, but it’s often scattered. We wanted a hub feeling.
Can you highlight one artist from the line-up?
Katrina: Noah Gossiaux opens the night and is the youngest on the bill. He’s coming with a full band and a jazz-leaning set. He’ll also jump in on Divee’s performance. You feel both talent and hard work there.
Why is this project important to you personally?
Katrina: BIG in BXL is by young people, for young people. I know what the first edition did for me. It confirmed how at home I feel on stage. As a curator, I wanted to pass that on: make sure artists have what they need, learn the tech and the ropes, and crucially build connections that continue after the show. I’ve already seen that happen.
Why should people come on 1 November?
Katrina: Because it’s the place to be if you want to feel what Brussels sounds like right now. I’ve watched these artists grow through the residency. Don’t miss this!
