Birame merges the tension between his queer identity and Senegalese roots into a dreamy blend of R&B, soul, and alternative pop. Inspired by Solange and Sampha, he began with solo performances but quickly evolved into a dynamic live act. With his band, he won the Zebrastraat Showcase#Music and was selected for De Nieuwe Lichting 2025. He is currently studying music production at KASK & Conservatorium Gent, while continuing to develop his unique sound.

Sometimes, you just need everything to go quiet for a moment. When emotions take over, hearts beat a little louder, and a voice from another world hits you right in the soul. Emma Hessels is exactly that kind of artist. Armed with nothing more than hervoice and guitar, she effortlessly balances on the edge of longing, love, andloneliness. Her presence is both delicate and powerful, simply too beautiful to ignore. Since being selected as a laureate of Sound Track 2023, Emma Hessels has been winning hearts across the country, one show at a time. Emma’s single ‘Insular’ was released on 9 May 2025. This is the first single of her upcoming debut EP, which will be released coming fall via Unday Records.

gone icon is the left-field alter ego of Jonas Steurs, a lyrical refuge as much for the subconscious as for innocent verses. A breathless voice, entwined with the precision of your favorite melody. The scar blooms, hope bleeds. The sound is emotional, intimate, and often euphoric. Together with multi-instrumentalist Michiel Dondeyne, he has crafted a new world. And a new EP, 'for your ears only'. In it, he dissects heartbreak, loss, and doubt in an almost suffocating way. The result sounds like dark post-pop, a blend of acoustic instruments, a touch of electronics, and a stray drop of Y2K nostalgia. 

OLGA feels like she walked straight out of a David Lynch film and has been crafting minimal electronic darkpop from her bedroom ever since. With pulsing beats and dreamy soundscapes, she gives shape to fears and desires in a world that feels both grounded and dystopian. Her background in disorienting drama films has made her a specialist in the art of the danceable identity crisis. After countless hours staring at the ceiling, she released her debut EP 'My Feet Are Wet', followed by two enchanting singles.

Jury on OLGA: “What. A. Show. OLGA delivered an intriguing, theatrically crafted performance that stood out for its originality. With a believable character and razor-sharp attention to detail, she completely drew the audience into her world. OLGA radiates courage, control, and authenticity — an artist who knows exactly what she wants and makes you feel it with conviction. Refreshing, daring, and exceptionally promising.”

© Tina Herbots

RAPHA is a 23-year-old rising pop artist from Belgium with Congolese roots. After winning MNM Rising Star (2020) and Soundtrack (2023), she released her debut EP Circus in May. Circus tells the story of the “clown of the group”: the one who keeps everyone laughing while quietly struggling on the inside. With each track, RAPHA lets the mask slip further, revealing the self-doubt and healing beneath.
She is currently working on new music set for release in 2026. Inspired by Olivia Rodrigo, Rachel Chinouriri, Ravyn Lenae and Billie Eilish, RAPHA creates honest, vulnerable pop about the messiness of growing up, mental health, and identity.

Teun’s music is dreamy, raw, and intense. She blends soul with an euphoric, honest sound that comes straight from her heart. Born in Maastricht and now living in Antwerp, she shares her personal stories through her music. Her voice is the core of her sound, connecting her emotions and evolving style with her audience. After securing second place at Humo’s Rock Rally in 2024, Teun continued to captivate crowds as a backing vocalist and dancer for Eefje de Visser. In March 2025, her debut EP was released, aiming to create a space where vulnerability is seen as a source of strength and connection.

As part of blackwave., Willem is no stranger to the scene. Now he steps into the spotlight with his solo work, showing that he can also move you in a softer and more tender way. His songs are whispers for the attentive ear—delicate meanings and intimate secrets that sound like reflections of the soul.

His long-awaited debut album Oevers tells a story of loss and longing, love with frayed edges, crossing life paths, and unspoken dreams. For his solo work, Ardui draws inspiration from artists such as Adrianne Lenker and Feist.

Blue Robin floats like a mythical apparition through the ether of alternative pop. Their sound is a delicate dance between the melancholy of Tamino and the mythical drama of Florence and The Machine—an enchanting fusion that transports you to a world full of emotion and mystery.

Blue Robin was selected to open Ik Zie U Graag through a call on the talent platform VI.BE, chosen from over 300 submissions.