"We Don't Need to Speak the Same Language to Dance Together": How Pommelien Thijs's 1st Show in Wallonia Went

Belgian artist Pommelien Thijs made history with her debut performance in French-speaking Belgium at the Ronquières Festival, becoming the first Dutch-speaking act ever to grace the Walloon festival's stage. While many in the audience were initially unfamiliar with her music, Thijs captivated the crowd with her hits and a powerful message of unity.

Before her set, a quick poll among French-speaking festival-goers revealed that most had not heard of Thijs, though a few recognized her from the series 'Knokke-off' or through colleagues who recommended her music. Despite the initial lack of recognition, her performance clearly won over the audience, who were drawn in by her energetic stage presence and relatable songs.

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Even if you don't understand my lyrics, we can still party together.

Thijs delivered her performance under the striking shadow of the iconic inclined plane at Ronquières, facing the same bright summer sun that challenged her at Pukkelpop the previous year. Her unifying message, "Even if you don't understand my lyrics, we can still party together," resonated deeply, bridging the linguistic divide. The performance also attracted loyal Flemish fans who traveled to support her, highlighting her growing appeal across Belgium's cultural landscape.

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I have seen Pommelien live at least 20 times.