This keynote will be held in English!
The event is free, but registration is mandatory! Register here (limited capacity).

As the Belgian music scene continues to thrive, it presents both opportunities and challenges. Success now demands innovative marketing strategies that transform artists into global brands. For aspiring musicians, understanding how to stand out in a competitive landscape is essential.
In this one-hour presentation, Selene Alexa will tap into her expertise as a Project and Artist Manager specializing in visual identity, content and PR to provide key industry insights and strategies for emerging Black artists. Based in Brussels, Selene has worked on several PR campaigns, coached the early careers of artists and musicians, helping them define and shape their unique artistic identities. In 2021, Selene launched her freelance career in management, merging her expertise in creative direction and public relations to collaborate on international projects for renowned artists such as Yseult, Gayance, NMSS, MIMI, Blck Mamba, and Martha Da’ro. This keynote presentation serves as both an introduction and a deeper dive into her coaching program for emerging artists and will explore the evolving role of artist identity in the current music industry. This presentation will equip attendees with actionable tools, strategies, and real-world tips to help them navigate the complexities of the music industry and build a compelling, authentic artistic identity.

1. optimization of time/finances/skills
2. finding their artistic identity
3. discovering the creative process
4. the artist project and how to release it (marketing tools for beginner/intermediate)
5. artists most common challenges and how to overcome them

Black History Month Belgium 2025: "B(l)ack to Our Roots"
This year’s multidisciplinary socio-cultural festival by Black History Month Belgium embraces a theme layered with meaning: "B(l)ack to Our Roots." The phrase is a conscious play on words, symbolising a strong desire to return to the festival's foundational purpose for Black communities— a celebration of heritage, identity, diversity, and creativity. It also invites a thoughtful exploration of ancestral legacies, cultural histories, and the wisdom passed down through generations.
For Black people in the Diaspora, returning to our roots is not just identity seeking, it is also meaning-making and a continuous journey of (re)discovery, which will be the unifying thread of this BHMB 2025 edition. Expect meaningful community conversations that will dive into the heart of pressing issues impacting our daily lives, alongside joyful gatherings celebrating creativity through live shows, performances, film screenings, and exhibitions. Recognising the importance of rest and healing, the 2025 programme will also offer dedicated moments throughout the month to help the community recharge and reconnect.
Black History Month Belgium not only celebrates the rich diversity of Black communities in the Belgian context but also highlights the different migration journeys that unite them. Honouring the cultures connected to ancestral roots goes hand in hand with fostering solidarity. As such, the 2025 edition also seeks to inspire awareness and support for those still facing hardships in places like the Congo, Sudan, and beyond. The festival invites attendees to reflect, connect, and engage in meaningful global solidarity.