“What does humanity mean to you, Joris?” It is a question you might expect at the 505 concerts for humanity on Sunday at Sint-Jansplein in Antwerp. Yet presenter Joris Hessels was equally surprised when his colleague Hind Eljadid threw it at him. But Hessels quickly recovered and formulated an answer with “solidarity and justice” as core values.
From the moment they were launched, the 505 concerts fell prey to criticism that “for humanity” was too vague a concept. Reference was often made to the 0110 concerts of 2006, when initiator and dEUS frontman Tom Barman interpreted it as a “party against Vlaams Belang”. But for the 505 organizers – sustainability influencer Elisabeth van Lierop, musician Tijs Delbeke and 11.11.11 director Els Hertogen – that umbrella concept is a strength. It shows how all their themes are connected, from a ceasefire in Gaza to a statement against racism. “Climate warming, for example, is difficult to separate from social inequality,” Delbeke said beforehand.
By having artists such as Zwangere Guy and Paul ‘Soulsister’ Michiels play on one day, the organizers wanted to ensure connection – another human value. Spectator Flo Vande Reyde (20) also sees the added value of this. She traveled from Mechelen with fifteen members of her Chiro Libertus. “We have a lot coming our way. As a young person it is important to be able to see that there is hope and that you are not alone. Then an event like this is good. Certain things mentioned here may also make you think. Maybe not now, but when you get home.”
Genocide in Gaza
On the stage at Sint-Jansplein there was a rapid succession of more than sixty artists and speakers. Most musicians stuck to music, although artists such as Roosbeef (‘Human People’) and Ellen Schoenaerts (‘For Europe’) often opted for the more appropriate songs in their catalogue. Instagram comedian Elisabeth Lucie Baeten was the first to silence the square. She was not there as one of her characters, but delivered a poem in which she contrasted a list of small happiness – such as unexpectedly finding cornettos in your freezer – with the desire to get outside without being bombed. “There is no them versus us,” he said. “There is no humanity until everyone is safe and free.”
As the day progressed, more and more themes were explicitly mentioned. Jaouad Alloul performed a catchy song about police violence – “Away with all that blue nonsense,” was what Paul Van Ostaijen said – Bert Ostyn performed a song about Sanda Dia, Pieter Embrechts dedicated one to Jacob Blake. Non-profit organizations such as Crisis Childcare, Network against Poverty and non-profit organization Homie were allowed to argue their case with speakers. And Gaza made its advance more and more emphatic. “It is not an opinion, but a fact that a genocide is underway in Gaza,” said writer Yousra Benfquih in a fiery argument. Such messages at the bars that lined the grounds were often lost in the chatter about children, houses and work. But centrally it generated applause, just like when Eljadid shouted “Free Palestine”.
By 3:30 p.m., Sint-Jansplein was full – it could accommodate a maximum of 10,000 people at a time, the organization expected 20,000 visitors spread over the day. When Zwangere Guy took the stage, there was even a mosh pit in front of the stage. “We are not here to sell hate, but for love,” the Brussels rapper said calmly at first. And then add for good measure: “Fuck all fascists, all racists, and fuck the right!”
Zwangere Guy wanted to say that he sometimes no longer knew “which politician” to vote for. He wouldn’t learn it on Sint-Jansplein either: politicians were banned from the stage, they were also few and far between on the grounds. We happened to spot Minister of Health Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) while poet Ruth Lasters was fulminating on stage against the “oil, oil stupid state”, but flags and other political symbols were prohibited in the audience.
There were many people in their thirties who were balancing between a stroller and white wine, but also youth movements and local seniors. For example, Walter Currinckx (63) was singing along at the top of his lungs to Stan Van Samang’s ‘Een Ster’ – although he was not just there for the singer. “I am here out of sympathy for the concept: we have also bought a wristband and made a donation to support them.” For him, humanity means “respect for everyone’s beliefs”, but he finds it difficult to pick one theme from the long list. “It’s all so important. As grandparents, we are very concerned about the next generation. We feel helpless because we can deposit money and write whatever we want, but many problems are too big to tackle alone. Fortunately, there are signs that change is coming.” He points to the reusable cups in his hand. “For example, five years ago we didn’t have this yet. And look at all those people who are happily together here: that must do wonders for the connection, right?
