‘La Nuit Positive’ brings together twelve Belgian artists to support the fight against HIV

On 29 November, twelve Belgian pop artists will perform at La Nuit Positive, a benefit concert at the La Madeleine venue in Brussels, to raise awareness of the fight against HIV.

According to organiser Ex Aequo, raising awareness is crucial again as Belgium has seen a rise in new HIV cases. In 2023, infections increased by 13 per cent. "With this concert, our main aim is to remind young people that they must continue to practise safe sex and get tested regularly,” said Pablo Sanz Moreno, chair of Ex Aequo.

Several studies show that misinformation about transmission and prevention is still widespread. “Young people no longer have the basic knowledge about HIV that they need to adjust their behaviour and avoid infection,” added Sanz Moreno.

HIV education

The organisation is calling for HIV education to be strengthened in sex and relationships classes, and for related risks to be fully integrated into the Evras curriculum, which covers sex, relationships and emotional education in French-speaking secondary schools in Belgium.

The line-up for the second edition of La Nuit Positive features Colt, Red Sebastian, Leon, Lay This Drum, Adam La Nuit, Rokia Bamba, Morpho, Elia Rose, Achille & Tmoin, Judith Kiddo, Nana Kill, and the choir Sing Out Brussels.

Together with Ex Aequo, the performers aim to challenge the stigma surrounding HIV. "Many people still don't realise that someone receiving treatment for HIV cannot transmit the virus," said Sanz Moreno.

Tickets are available via the La Nuit Positive website.

^{Red Sebastian represented Belgium during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest. © ANP/Sander King}