Programme of Gala Africa
Official, Belgium 2027
The evening, act by act — from the champagne reception to the last dance.
Two editions, one gala: Luanda on 7 November 2026 and Brussels on 23 January 2027.
Gala Africa Official takes place on Saturday 23 January 2027 at Martin's Château du Lac in Genval, twenty minutes from Brussels. Doors open at 18:30 and the evening runs until the early hours, welcoming more than 400 guests: entrepreneurs, investors, diplomats, institutional leaders, artists and members of the African diaspora in Europe.
The programme below is designed as one continuous experience. Business and diplomacy come first, over champagne and dinner; culture then takes the stage, with Angolan music, Tchianda dance and a catwalk of African couture. Black tie is required, and every guest is seated — the seating plan is curated so that conversations begin before the first course is served.
The programme below is that of the Belgium edition, Brussels · 23 January 2027. The programme for the Angola edition, Luanda · 7 November 2026, will be announced soon.
- 18:30
VIP Champagne Reception
Guests are welcomed beneath the chandeliers of the château with a glass of Christopher Merret, the official champagne of the gala. The reception is the informal heart of the evening: introductions between European and African delegations, partners and honoured guests.
- 19:00
Photowall, Press & Sponsor Exposure
A dedicated branded photowall for press portraits and partner visibility. Accredited photographers and media cover arrivals; sponsors receive documented exposure that continues in the post-event press pack.
- 19:45
Official Opening Ceremony
The curtain-raiser in the château's grand hall. Words of welcome from the organisers and institutional guests set out the ambition of the evening: to promote a positive image of Africa in Europe and to open concrete business opportunities.
- 20:10
Bráulia Chieta — Live Tchianda dance
A live performance of Tchianda, a dance rooted in southern Angola, opening the cultural part of the evening with movement, percussion and colour.
- 20:30
First musical performance
The first voice of the night takes the stage during dinner service, setting a warm, intimate tone in the room.
- 21:00
Guest Speakers
Short, substantial interventions by leaders shaping African excellence — business, diplomacy, investment and the creative economy. Voices chosen for what they build, not only for what they represent.
- 22:15
Catwalk — African couture
A fashion show presenting creations by African designers: heritage textiles, contemporary tailoring and craft that carries the continent's savoir-faire into a European ballroom.
- 22:50
Bonga
The headline performance. The Angolan legend of semba closes the concert part of the evening with the songs that made him a voice of a continent.
- 00:00
Dance Party
From midnight, an intimate celebration until the early hours — kizomba, semba, afrobeats and everything the night asks for.
Practical information
- Date
- Saturday 23 January 2027
- Doors
- 18:30
- Venue
- Martin's Château du Lac, Genval (Brussels)
- Dress code
- Black tie
- Guests
- 400+ invited and ticketed guests
- Languages
- English, French, Portuguese
The programme is updated as artists, speakers and partners are confirmed. Seating is limited and allocated in order of confirmation.