What do you see when you envision the future of the Belgian creative scene? For us, we see diverse, unique perspectives, representative of the world around us. That is exactly why we have been working on our 20-something issues since 2014. These editions feature 20 people in their (pre-)twenties who are a guide, an inspiration or an Earlybird for the young generation of today in Belgium. It is the greatest honour to step into the minds of some of the most innovative young people in Belgium; and learn about their dreams, fears, inspirations and even their celebrity crushes. This year’s list was co-curated with Kevin Kotahunyi, founder of Please Add Color.
Metouka
she/her, 19, musician, Antwerp
What do we & our readers need to remember about you?
I am a young girl but this year you just have to check my upcoming releases… That will show you why you can not forget about me.
Why did you move to Belgium?
To make a long story short, my mom wanted to home school us and in the Netherlands, that's not possible because of the laws there.
Tell me about your latest release ‘Ring Ring’?
I have to try different styles and ‘Ring Ring’ is certainly not my main style of music but I loved the vibe I got from it.
Are you working on any new music?
Yes of course there are tracks that are ready... This year I only want to release things if I am 100% certain about the end result.
What artists are you listening to?/Which records are you playing most right now?/What book are you currently reading?/Which film have you enjoyed lately?
I've been listening to this french artist Ninho, especially his latest album.
What makes your heart go faster these days?
Spending time with family because I missed them so much.
What are you doing daily at 9 pm/9 am?
I work a normal job from 9 am till 5 pm, after that I'm heading straight to the studio.
What’s your personal utopia?
That would be a world where I would be able to ignore the judgement people throw at me.
I long for a world where I would be able to ignore the judgement people
What brings you satisfaction?
Finishing up a track and listening to the completed sound.
How do you relax?
By making music.
What’s one of your sources of inspiration that may surprise people?
I'm extremely inspired by Rihanna and the way she created a billionaire empire for herself.
What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?
In 10 years' time, I would love to be able to help others create their dream life.
What is the latest/future project you are working on?
I have been working on a few singles that I can hopefully share soon.
What will the second part of 2022 bring you?
I hope my hard work will pay off because since the beginning of this year I’ve been grinding.
Who is the person that most influenced you throughout your development in life?
That will have to be my little brother, we’ve been through a lot so I admire his strength.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned lately?
That you have to surround yourself with people who are willing to work for success. That will motivate you to grind harder.
You have to surround yourself with people who are willing to work for success
Is there anyone in your scene who needs more attention?
The whole scene in Antwerp deserves more attention. People have been putting out really nice projects and one day they will get the right credits for it.
Comfort food/speciality dish?
Definitely Ben & Jerry’s Karamel Sutra.
Celebrity crush?
This is gonna sound cliché but it’s Jamie from Top Boy.
Most irrational fear?/Most rational fear?
I'm afraid to live life to the fullest but I'm also afraid to die without living it right.
If you were a cartoon character in a show, what would be your uniform?
It will probably be a cute jogging with a fun crop top on top.
What were you like as a child?
I was a shy kid who definitely didn't like attention… kind of the same as now haha.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Reading people's minds so that no one will be able to ever lie to me again.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
I would die if music studios didn’t exist.
If there was a book about your life, what would the title be?
I would guess something dramatic like; Unbreakable: fallen but full of hope.
Biggest red flag?
A lot of trust issues.
Biggest dream?
To be financial and mentally stable so I can live a truly happy life.
Favourite quote from a book/movie/show/song
Idk where this quote is from but It just stuck with me: ‘knowledge is power’
Photos by @mistral.guidotti
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