Soirée Harira

World music and acts with walking dinner

Like the soup of the same name, Soirée Harira serves a warm mix of worldly ingredients and tastes. Together with various cultural communities from Ghent, we offer a diverse musical program in a relaxed and friendly family atmosphere.

An evening to celebrate the many stories and sounds of our city. And of course there will be a delicious buffet!

Line up 

18:30 - 18:45 Cosmic Invocation: Shiva & Shakti
Set the spiritual and rhythmic tone for 2026 with cosmology, devotion and collective energy during this opening act.

18:55 - 19:20 Seppe, de jonge koning van de Sitar
Seppe moves effortlessly between worlds, swapping the streets of Ghent for the depths of India, where he studies and immerses himself in the classical sitar tradition. His playing combines ancient ragas with youthful energy, bringing together discipline and daring. His sitar weaves melodies that feel both ancient and alive, meditative and compelling at the same time. Every note tells a story. Be sure to come and see this talented young man with international roots.

19:30 Escola de Capoeira Gent
Capoeira is a unique blend of play, combat, dance and theatre, accompanied by the hypnotic rhythm of the berimbau. Capoeira originated in the Afro-Brazilian community that lived under slavery in Brazil. What began as a form of self-defence and expression grew into a powerful symbol of resistance and freedom. In the roda, there is no winner or loser.

20:00 - 20:40 Cloud Nova (concertzaal)
Cloud Nova is a Belgian dream pop duo with classical influences, born out of the friendship between childhood friends Claudia Rhode (vocals, harp, composition) and Ode Maertens (piano, composition). Their unique sound is created by the combination of their backgrounds: a jazz pop singer and a classical pianist. They draw their inspiration from nature, which is woven into every song, surrounded by atmospheric soundscapes.

For this performance, they will play with an expanded line-up, including violin and cello, enriching their characteristic sound. The programme includes their debut single Hypnotise, new songs from their first EP and a few carefully chosen covers with a Cloud Nova twist.

21:00 - 21:40 Mr. Ital & The Pineapple Express
Mr. Ital & The Pineapple Express bring a warm, authentic reggae experience to Soirée Harira. Mr. Ital and his band play music rooted in the Jamaican reggae tradition, sharp and lively. With a characteristic singjay style, he combines vocals and rhythm to tell stories about awareness, resilience and life experience.

The Pineapple Express enhances the sound with warm grooves and a relaxed flow that invites you to move along. Together they create a collective vibe in which the audience can relax, dance and immerse themselves in the positive energy of reggae.

22:00 - 22:40 Aba Poliea, Jonathan & Eric
We conclude Soirée Harira in style. With Abaa Poliwa, Jonathan, and Eric, we bring warm African sounds to close the evening.

With the support of the International Committee and the City of Ghent