NAYA brings soul, soft edges and a little “Bagarre” to Café Flora

Brussels-based singer-songwriter NAYA releases her debut EP, Bagarre, on 30 October 2026, with a release party at Café Flora in Saint-Gilles. The evening brings together her jazz-inspired songs, the Brussels quintet NAIRAA and DJ sets from Molly and Friends. For queer listeners drawn to intimate songwriting and local musical discoveries, it is a chance to explore a world of inner struggles, questions and love — without needing to have everything figured out.

From bedroom songs to a Brussels stage

When KET first introduced NAYA in April, her debut EP was still taking shape. Originally from Lyon and based in Brussels since 2020, the singer, musician and songwriter had been finding her way towards a solo project after years of studying, collaborating and performing. A residency in Namur in 2024 helped move that process forward, with musicians joining her to bring the songs to the stage.

Her first single, “Comptine d’été”, offered an early introduction to that sound: French-language songwriting, jazz and neo-soul textures, and a voice that favours warmth over showmanship. Now, Bagarre gives that developing musical world a name — and a date to meet its audience.

A little fight, a lot of feeling

Bagarre means a fight or a scrap, but the world NAYA describes is less about throwing punches than navigating what happens inside us. Inner conflicts, uncertainty and love run through this first EP, held together by soulful vocals, jazz influences and lyrics in French.

There is an interesting tension in that combination: a title with sharp elbows, carried by music introduced through colour and sensitivity. Rather than suggesting that softness means having nothing to say, the project leaves room for complicated feelings.

Jordan Rakei and Bonnie Banane are the suggested reference points for curious listeners. Think of them as an invitation to explore, rather than a promise that NAYA sounds exactly like either artist. Her earlier single is available through her official music links.

NAIRAA opens the night, then the DJs take over

The evening starts at 8pm with NAIRAA, a Brussels quintet led by singer and composer Eline Nicaise. Blending neo-soul, jazz and R&B, the group builds its lyrical world around magical realism: emotions reshape reality, and everyday experiences take on a mythical dimension.

That makes for a promising conversation between the two live acts. Both put voice and songwriting at the centre, while approaching emotional life through different musical worlds.

NAYA follows at 9pm, accompanied by her musicians for the release celebration. From 10pm, Molly and Friends take over with DJ sets, shifting the evening from live performance towards the dance floor.

Room for feelings, without the labels

For LGBTQIA+ audiences, the relevance lies in making room for emotional complexity — love, doubt and the work of understanding yourself — without demanding a neat resolution.

That is a reading of the programme, not a claim about the performers’ identities. The event information does not describe the night as specifically queer, nor does it announce a safer-space policy. Its appeal for KET readers is more concrete: discovering Brussels-based musicians, sharing an intimate live setting and supporting a debut built through collaboration.

As KET’s earlier profile noted, NAYA’s route towards this release has been gradual rather than an overnight breakthrough. The party marks a step in that process: songs developed over time becoming something an audience can experience together.

Practical information

• What: NAYA’s Bagarre EP release party, with NAIRAA and DJ sets from Molly and Friends.
• When: Friday 30 October 2026.
• Where: Café Flora, Parvis de Saint-Gilles 16A, 1060 Brussels, Belgium.
• Programme: 8pm — NAIRAA; 9pm — NAYA; 10pm — Molly and Friends DJ sets.
• Tickets and prices: Not specified in the supplied event information.
• Accessibility: Step-free access, accessible toilets and other access arrangements have not been confirmed in the supplied information.
• Artist updates: NAYA’s official links and NAIRAA on Instagram.
• Further reading: KET’s introduction to NAYA.

A first EP, two live acts and a late-evening change of rhythm: a night for discovering what Brussels sounds like when it lets its feelings show.

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