The fifth edition of Belgian Music Week will take place from Monday, 27 January to Sunday, 2 February.
In keeping with tradition, the VRT will present a wide range of programming focused on music from Belgium during the Week, the public broadcaster announced on Wednesday.
VI.BE, the support centre for artistes and the music industry, will once again collaborate with the VRT for the week-long event.
One of its highlights will be the 17th edition of the Music Industry Awards (MIA), broadcast live from Antwerp’s Sportpaleis on Wednesday next. Niels Destadsbader will host the event, with awards presented in 12 audience categories and 7 industry categories.
VRT will spotlight Belgian music on several of its channels. On ‘Dagelijkse Kost’, Jeroen Meus’s cooking show, the entire week will feature music by Belgian artistes. ‘De dag van vandaag’ will also focus on music, showcasing a range of Belgian performers as guests.
As a precursor to the MIAs, VRT Canvas will air two special programmes, titled MIA’s Sessions, that will feature the nominated artists.
The daily live show ‘Hallo kroket!’ will feature discussions on Belgian music from Monday to Friday on Ketnet, VRT MAX and YouTube.
Radio stations Studio Brussel, Radio 1 and Radio 2, as well as the VRT's digital radio station, Radio Bene, will also honour Belgian music throughout the week, while other players in the wider music industry, and additional media outlets, will also participate in the initiative.
Enthusiasm extends beyond the sector as well, with organisations such as the Pro League, Brussels Airport, Ostend Film Festival, and several police zones launching initiatives linked to Belgian music.
