If You Are a Big Tree #2: Indépendance Cha Cha
Film. Food. Music. Community.
A gathering of film, food, and music to honor joy and community.
After a successful first edition, If You Are a Big Tree returns with a special gathering in anticipation of 65 years of Congolese independence. Join us for a screening of Baloji’s debut short film Kaniama Show, followed by an intimate live set by Badi, a defining voice in Belgian hip-hop. Indulge in soulful Congolese bites by Fresh Leaves, and end the night on the dancefloor with the finest tunes selected by DJ Jean Jeansen.
If You Are a Big Tree borrows its name from Bob Marley’s song (Small Axe), a timeless reminder that even the smallest voices, when joined together, can shake the tallest trees. This program is an homage to the rhythms, flavors, and stories that root communities and keep resistance alive. It is a space where film, music, and food intertwine as they carry echoes of struggle, joy, and belonging.
On the weekend of June 28 and 29, we celebrate the 65th anniversary of the independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo (officially on June 30), and we also honor the life and legacy of Patrice Lumumba, 100 years after his birth. We have a special program on both days featuring music, film, literature, and food.
28 juni | Felix Meritis: If You Are a Big Tree #2: Indépendance Cha Cha
29 juni | De Nieuwe Liefde: Letters to Lumumba
Want to attend both programs? You can do so with a combination ticket at a reduced rate.
Kaniama Show is the debut short film by Belgo-Congolese rapper, singer, director Baloji. Set on a TV soundstage frozen in the aesthetics of the 1970s, the film is a biting satire of state-run media in an unnamed African country. Through staged interviews and flashy musical interludes, it exposes the machinery of soft power and propaganda. The cast includes Eriq Ebouaney (Lumumba), Bwanga Pilipili, Martha Daro, and Eric Kabongo.
ARTISTS
BADI
Badi is a standout voice in Belgian hip-hop, blending Afrofuturism, activism, and Congolese heritage. His latest album Moyi was produced by Jillionaire (known from Major Lazer) and ads Caribbean influence to the Belgo-Congolese mix. Featured on two COLORS sessions and touring Europe, Badi’s music continues to inspire with bold rhythms and powerful, poetic depth. As part of the second edition of If You Are a Big Tree, Badi will grace the stage with an intimate live set.
DJ JEAN JEANSEN
Amsterdam-based DJ Jean Jeansen is a prominent name in the city’s club scene and a core member of the Afrolosjes collective. He’s performed at major events like Miracles, Single Ladies, and Juice, toured with rapper CHO, and opened for artists like Adje, I Am Aisha, and the American superstar Tyga. Jean is now expanding his solo career, especially popular at weddings within the Angolan and Congolese diasporas.
FOOD BY FRESH LEAVES
Fresh Leaves delights with authentic West and Central African cuisine, crafting meals that leave you begging for more. Their flavorful dishes offer a true culinary journey for the taste buds. At If You Are a Big Tree #2, Fresh Leaves will be serving delicious Congolese bites, perfectly complementing the vibrant energy and cultural celebration of the program.
Ticketprice includes full acces to the program and meals.
Would you like to attend this program, but don’t have the means to pay for a ticket? Send an email to info@felixmeritis.nl, we can work something out.