NOMAD Ghent 2025

Samba, baião, ijexá, maculelê and maracatu: all exotic-sounding names that symbolise Brazil's rich tradition of percussion styles and rhythms. But how do you ensure that a passionate group of children from Ghent with diverse backgrounds master these challenging rhythms? Enter: Kapinga Gysel. 

Kapinga has an impressive track record. She worked alongside Stef Kamil Carlens and his Zita Swoon Group for many years. She also provided backing vocals for Sioen, Roland, Arno and dEUS, among others. In 2015, she founded Mais Quelle Chanson, through which she rolls out participatory musical projects such as this NOMAD project. With NOMAD, BIG BANG brings together a group of children and young people from various neighbourhoods to put on an impressive musical performance under the guidance of professional musicians. Together with Brazilian musician and Ghent resident Frankli Caldeira, Kapinga is taking on the challenge of bringing the musical soul of Brazil to BIG BANG.

During three music camps in 2025, children and young people will have the opportunity to participate in this project. Among the young participants are both children who have been singing along with the “Mais Quelle Chanson family” for years and children who are being immersed in it for the first time. All children and young people between the ages of 6 and 16 who enjoy singing or playing music are welcome. You don't have to be a nightingale (yet) to participate; every child will have the opportunity to discover and develop their own musical talent. Mais Quelle Chanson pays extra attention to children and young people who grow up in a vulnerable context. They sing and play together with the other children. During such a musical camp, these differences disappear for a while because the emphasis is on having fun and, above all, enjoying the music that the children create together.

No boring lessons here, just pure playfulness and curiosity. Stomping feet, tapping tambourines, singing voices and smiling faces. This is how the children become fellow musicians; rhythm seekers and explorers in a musical world where everything moves. Not in faraway South America, but right here in the heart of Ghent.