Hip-Hop takes over Cinema Nova: Five weeks of films, music and urban culture in Brussels
From 19 November
From 19 November to 20 December 2026, Brussels’ Cinema Nova will celebrate hip-hop culture with a special programme combining iconic films, live concerts and an exhibition. The opening night on Thursday 19 November will put Belgian talent in the spotlight, with performances by DJ Grazzhoppa and Brussels rapper MYK.
Hip-hop is much more than a musical genre. Since emerging in New York in the late 1970s, it has become a global cultural movement, influencing music, dance, fashion, visual arts and cinema. This autumn, Cinema Nova, in collaboration with the non-profit organisation Da Bluefunk District and Cris Prolific, presents an ambitious retrospective exploring the relationship between hip-hop and the big screen.
Described by the organisers as a first for a European cinema, the programme revisits the early visual representations of hip-hop, from the streets of New York to its international expansion, while highlighting its influence on contemporary culture. Over five weeks, audiences will discover classic films, documentaries, music videos, live performances and an exhibition celebrating the movement's artistic legacy.
Opening night: Thursday 19 November
The opening evening promises to be particularly exciting for Brussels' hip-hop community, bringing together music, photography and visual art.
19:00 – Opening of the Captures exhibition (Free entry)
The evening begins with the inauguration of Captures, an exhibition exploring hip-hop culture through photography and visual art. Photographers Kro, François Autphenne and Gilles Fischer have selected images from their archives to document the evolution of the movement, from New York in the 1990s to Brussels in the 2000s and today's contemporary scene. Their black-and-white photographs will take over Cinema Nova's bar and corridors, offering visitors an intimate perspective on the people, communities and creative energy behind hip-hop.
The exhibition will also feature works by David Bruce, Mode 2, Sozy and Dema, highlighting the importance of visual expression within the movement. Captures will remain accessible until 20 December, accompanying the entire retrospective.
20:00 – Live concert: DJ Grazzhoppa x MYK (10€/7€)
The musical highlight of the opening night will bring together two artists representing different generations and approaches to Belgian hip-hop.
DJ Grazzhoppa is one of Belgium's established turntablists and producers, with more than 30 years of experience. Known for his technical skills and his ability to blend hip-hop with jazz, funk and soul, he has developed an extensive international career. His projects include the innovative DJ Bigband, an ensemble bringing together 12 DJs, the duo Greedy-Fingers and the socially engaged Black Lives collective. His numerous vinyl releases and collaborations have made him a respected figure in turntablism. For this special evening, Grazzhoppa will bring his scratching skills to Cinema Nova, officially launching the retrospective through music.
Joining him is MYK, a Brussels-based rapper recognised for his sharp lyrics and socially conscious approach. An active member of the Belgian hip-hop scene, MYK has released projects including 'Game Time' (2021) and 'Game Time 2' (2024). He has also performed as a supporting act for Black Milk at VK Concerts. Beyond his musical career, MYK works with young people through the non-profit organisation La Clé, leading rap and slam writing workshops and encouraging the next generation to express themselves through words.
Five weeks exploring hip-hop on screen
Following the opening night, Cinema Nova will present a selection of films that helped document, popularise and redefine hip-hop culture. Among the highlights is Wild Style (1982), Charlie Ahearn's pioneering film capturing the emergence of graffiti, DJing, MCing and breaking in the Bronx. Its screening on 20 November will be one of the first opportunities to discover the retrospective's cinematic programme.
Other classics include Style Wars (1983), a documentary exploring New York's graffiti scene, Beat Street (1984), which helped introduce hip-hop culture to mainstream audiences, and Krush Groove (1985), inspired by the early history of Def Jam Records. The programme also includes Downtown 81, featuring Jean-Michel Basquiat and the creative underground of early-1980s New York, alongside screenings dedicated to music videos and the evolution of hip-hop dance. More recent documentaries will explore the movement's cultural legacy, its political dimension and the artists who continue to shape it.
More live music and Belgian talent in December
The celebration will continue beyond the opening night, with additional concerts connecting hip-hop's international history to the Belgian music scene.
On 11 December, Cinema Nova will welcome Sharif Simmons, a spoken-word artist and member of the legendary Last Poets, whose work combines poetry, jazz and social commentary.
On 19 December, Belgian-Syrian rapper and singer Nephtys will perform alongside Brussels rapper Jayy. Nephtys blends hip-hop, soul, jazz and R&B, while Jayy brings a contemporary perspective shaped by wordplay, experimentation and personal storytelling.
These performances reinforce the programme's ambition to celebrate hip-hop not only as a historical movement but also as a living culture that continues to evolve.
Practical information
Hip-Hop Retrospective at Cinema Nova
Dates: 19 November – 20 December 2026
Venue: Cinema Nova, Brussels
Opening exhibition: 19 November, 19:00 – Free entry
Opening concert: DJ Grazzhoppa x MYK, 19 November, 20:00 – €10 / €7
Exhibition: Captures, until 20 December
Programme: Film screenings, documentaries, music videos, concerts and visual arts
For the complete programme and ticket information, visit Cinema Nova's official website.
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