After last year’s highly acclaimed trip to the small Eifel town of Sankt Vith, the Meakusma crew will be back in the capital of the German-speaking region of East Belgium in 2024. Here, in Eupen, where it all began, the Meakusma project is celebrating its 20th anniversary: two decades ago, it began its local work, which began with parties and concerts, then spawned a label, a regularly published magazine for experimental music, and now, for the seventh time, the Meakusma Festival. Named one of the best festivals in Europe by The Guardian in the UK and the taz in Germany, this time it sets new standards.

Scratch, Not Smear

With four days of performances, several venues in the city of Eupen – with the famous Alter Schlachthof as the designated center – and 140 acts, the festival is not going to give up the ghost, but go all out. Many familiar faces, as well as some newcomers, will be performing in the genres of jazz, improvised music, chamber and new music, organic grooves, dub, house, break and techno, minimal wave, post-punk, and more. In addition, well-known DJs such as Nosedrip, upsammy and Josey Rebelle will turn the night into day.