Brussels, 25 March 2026 – This weekend, on 28 March 2026, an extraordinary choir is taking over Bozar’s Horta Hall for Klarafestival 2026. Les Invisibles is not your usual classical ensemble, existing of more than 40 women from all across the world who came to Brussels to seek a better life. With their performance Batômb Batômb! – Songs We Call Home, the women reclaim visibility and agency by making their voices heard literally and symbolically. The concert is part of Klarafestival’s and KPMG’s ongoing commitment to presenting musical projects that have both an artistic and social impact.
Les Invisibles: voicing talent, strength and humanity
Les Invisibles gathers women from diverse backgrounds who seek access to their fundamental rights and to live with dignity as full-fledged citizens. The choir offers a safe artistic space and sense of community and belonging. Despite their precarious conditions, the women can express themselves, share their goals and reclaim confidence through the music they co-create. With the choir, these women are making their voices heard – both literally and symbolically.
Blandine, member of Les Invisibles: “I immediately fell in love with Les Invisibles. We are not just a choir; we sing battle songs for our rights. Despite the hardship, each woman brings her own strength, and together we form a powerful force that sings: we are your sisters, your colleagues, your neighbours. We live here – listen to us."
“Visibility is a form of dignity,” says visual artist Antje Van Wichelen. “When women who usually remain unseen take center stage, something powerful happens: we get to see and hear their talent, their strength and their humanity. Their voice, deeply personal yet so universally human, serves as the central medium through which their stories and energy are shared.”
Batômb Batômb!
Last fall, the choir shared stories and songs about the intimacy and universality of “home”, which resonated with this year’s festival theme "Where is home?". Under the artistic guidance of visual artist Antje Van Wichelen, renowned soprano Claron McFadden and sound artist Rokia Bamba, they created Batômb Batômb! – a Cameroon expression in the Bakoko language meaning “we’ve had enough”, a clear call from the women to be heard, seen and accepted.
Espérance, member of Les Invisibles: “Singing with the other women brings me joy. We share our stories, we recognize ourselves in each other’s situations, it gives me the strength to move forward. The choir, like demonstrations, is a way to make our voices heard. Invisible to many, we are nonetheless here, full of talent and skills, tired of waiting: that is the message of Batômb Batômb!”
Patience, member of Les Invisibles: “In Belgium I am safe, but not truly free. The choir helps me not to feel alone: having people around me does me good. We exchange stories, we learn, we share our talents and our difficulties. The choir also creates bonds with the Belgians and reminds them that we are human beings just like them.”
Their stories and co-created songs highlight the women’s rightful place in society and their power as individuals and as a collective and will be shared during this captivating concert.
Making the difference in the office and in our communities
Klarafestival's social projects have been made possible in part thanks to a decade-long partnership with KPMG in Belgium. KPMG shares Klarafestival's commitment to supporting talent from diverse backgrounds and promoting representation across their broad audience. By collaborating with impactful, locally rooted organizations, KPMG aims to help all talent find their platform and reach their full potential.
“We proudly stand behind Les Invisibles and Batômb Batômb!, because we know visibility and representation enable people to step into their power, which is no different in a corporate context. By creating a platform for diverse talent to be seen, we support them in claiming their place at the top”, says Harry Van Donink, CEO of KPMG in Belgium. “Our partnership with Klarafestival is built on this shared dedication to making a lasting and meaningful impact on our communities. Together, by supporting initiatives like Les Invisibles, we can make the difference.”
Les Invisibles will take the stage at Klarafestival on 28 March with their interactive performance batômb batômb - Songs We Call Home. Entrance is free. More information on Klarafestival’s website.
This project was created during a residency by Antje Van Wichelen/Troubled Archives at Bruxelles Nous Appartient-Brussel Behoort Ons Toe (BNA-BBOT).
About KPMG in Belgium
With over 2000 employees across the country, KPMG in Belgium offers your company personalized and multidisciplinary support in audit, accountancy, tax and legal advice. We also support a wide range of management services: from operational efficiency and cost management, to digital transformations, risk management and deal advice. Our local consultants will support you thanks to their knowledge and through the use of innovative tools to help you face each of your challenges.
About Klarafestival
With Klarafestival, Festival van Vlaanderen Brussel organizes the largest classical broadcast festival in the country. A unique ecosystem where the top of international classical music comes together with the finest concert halls in Brussels, the media, and the business world. Authentic experience, connection, and impact form the core of our DNA. Through a decade-long partnership with KPMG in Belgium, the festival has grown from 10 to concerts, with approx. 18,000 visitors each year. Klarafestival wants to strengthen its position as Belgium’s largest classical music festival while expanding its international reach for even greater impact.