The Memory of ... Rodie Boyindombe
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Rodie Boyindombe is from Menen. He is a dancer from the popping scene. In addition, Rodie is a DJ, founder, and COO of the collective Root Division, and he is the CEO of Sharp Shooter Battle, an international hip-hop dance competition. Two years ago, Rodie performed on our digital theater stage (Theater Session).
What is your first memory of Kortrijk or the region?
“For my birthday in 2011, I went to Da Shake, a former club/disco on the Pottelberg. I saw a concert there by Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King, an American disco and R&B singer. Funk artists often performed in Kortrijk back then; there was always a great atmosphere in a fantastic setting.”
Is there a specific place in Kortrijk that is special to you, and why?
“Music café HOF (formerly Pand.A). I think it’s the only place where you can still listen to live DJ sets at 11 PM while enjoying a hot chocolate. In the past, you could also browse through an extensive vinyl collection there at the same time.”
What role do your roots play in your artistic body of work?
“My African roots play an essential role in everything I create, even when I don’t explicitly mention them. They’ve given me a very vivid relationship with rhythm, storytelling, and emotional expression—a way of feeling things before I start conceptualizing.
I grew up in Molenbeek. As a result, I was surrounded from a young age by a super-diverse environment where languages, stories, and realities constantly intertwine. That diversity taught me how to navigate between different worlds. That very ability to switch gears and adapt lies at the heart of my work.
In short: Africa gives me depth, memory, and instinct; Molenbeek gives me energy, clarity, and social awareness. Together, those two anchor points shape my perspective: they fuel my themes, my sensitivity, and my storytelling style. My roots aren't just a backdrop; they are a force within me that guides my creative process.”
What would you like to say to the young generation of artists from Kortrijk?
There are plenty of structures, projects, and places that support young creators. Don’t hesitate to ask the right people for help if you’re running low on inspiration. But above all: never give up, and keep trying.