The 14th edition of the M-Idzomer festival begins this Thursday evening at M Leuven, a museum located in the city centre of Leuven, offering a four-day programme of music, emerging talent, and visual art in the distinctive setting of museum halls and gardens.
The festival kicks off with Pakistani singer Arooj Aftab, who has been hailed by The Guardian as “the year’s biggest musical revelation.” Aftab combines contemporary minimalism, jazz, Sufi music, indie pop, and electronic elements in her performance. On Friday, 1 August, Belgian-American singer-songwriter Trixie Whitley will take the main stage, presenting her new EP, ‘The Dragon of Everything.’
On Saturday, 2 August, Gabriel Ríos will perform. The Puerto Rican-Belgian musician sings entirely in Spanish on his latest album, ‘Playa Negra.’ The festival concludes on Sunday with The Tallest Man on Earth, the project of Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson.
In addition to well-known artists, the festival also provides a platform for young performers. Artists from the mentorship programme Loof!—an initiative by Het Depot and VI.BE—will showcase their talents in the museum’s exhibition halls. “Last week, we went on a songwriting retreat with ten young artists. They worked intensely on new material. These are definitely names to watch,” said Mike Naert, artistic director of Het Depot and festival planner.
Naert emphasised that “M-Idzomer remains a unique festival in a special museum setting, creating space for tranquil music and rising talent. Such festivals have become rare, and I’m particularly proud to present this 14th edition.”
