For our first Queimada of the year, we’re excited to welcome Folk à Donf, a Walloon band built around two diatonic accordions. The Ghent-based group Bamako Express will bring an irresistible Malian groove to the folk dances of the evening. And of course, during the break, we’ll prepare the legendary Galician “drink of the gods,” the famous queimada, to the sound of bagpipes played by A Contrabanda. The evening will kick off with a dance initiation led by our partner Frisse Folk.

Folk à Donf

Folk à Donf was born from the joy shared by diatonic accordionists Marinette Bonnert (Calamalys, 21 Boutons) and Pierre Challe (Korvenn Trio), as they intertwined their melodies and arrangements. They were soon joined by two string enthusiasts: Michel Jacqmain on the cittern with his distinctive 10-string guitar, and Jean-Pierre Jansen on electro-acoustic bass. This energetic quartet plays a dance repertoire that reflects Wallonia – a clever mix of tradition and outside influences. Some songs come from local heritage, others are collected from travels and exchanges with passing friends. Still others are original compositions by members of the group. Walloon, French, Galician, Swedish, Breton, Ukrainian, Québécois, and Finnish dances – everything blends together in joyful and intoxicating music.

Marinette Bonnert: diatonic accordion
Pierre Challe: diatonic accordion
Michel Jacqmain: cistrum, guitar
Jean-Pierre Jansen: bass

Bamako Express

Bamako Express is the most diverse folk group of the Low Countries. Florian De Schepper and Anouk Sanczuk invite two outstanding African musicians to join their musical journey. Jonathan Dembélé and Joël Diarra fuse the folk of the Duo De Schepper-Sanczuk with their Malian and Burkinabe roots. Together, the four of them create something exceptional: a unique fusion of folk and West African magic. Come dance to music unlike any other, where the gentle sounds of guitar meet the depth of bass, the soaring violin, and the enchanting melodies of the balafon. Each instrument plays a crucial role in shaping this unique sound palette.

For one evening, let yourself be transported to the bustling streets of Bamako, Mali’s capital, as these talented musicians build a bridge between musical worlds. A magical bal that transcends borders and genres, inviting everyone to dance.

Florian De Schepper: guitar
Anouk Sanczuk: violin
Joël Diarra: balafon and calabash
Jonathan Dembélé: bass and vocals