There are two photo exhibitions well worth a visit. Pôze III / Africa Town is a compilation of work by amateurs and professionals of how they see Africa in Brussels. My favourite piece is of two suited black men eating cornets of fries in Troonplein next to the statue of Congo coloniser King Leopold II.

A Useful Dream, meanwhile, presents African photography through the last five decades, from shots of 1960s chicks with bouffant hair to modern-day drag queens. In one, a nude woman strides proudly down the street while a shopkeeper gawps from his window.

The 2007 pictures from Myriam Abdelaziz of war-wounded Africans are nothing short of disturbing. One subject, a young man without legs, is quoted: "I have nothing to say; I have too much pain, and there would be too much to say anyway."

In concerts, look out for Angélique Kidjo, a Grammy award-winning superstar from Benin, who performed at the World Cup opening concert in South Africa, and Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour (pictured), who has just launched his new album Dakar-Kingston.

The Visionary Africa programme runs until 25 September, when there will be a panel discussion and a concert with Dakar-born Didier Awadi, West Africa's pioneering king of hip hop.