RIP Gilbert Govaert - THE top Belgian Soul & Popcorn DJ

[Chris L]

Some very sad news, Gilbert 'Gibbe' Govaert one of the founding DJs of the Belgian Popcorn scene passed away. Whilst the UK was roaring away to fast dancefloor soul music in the 1970s we call Northern Soul, Belgium had it's own unique soul scene based on a slower tempo called Popcorn. Gilbert was one of the 2 DJs who started it all and was instrumental in bringing top soul acts like Major Lance, Otis Leavill and others to Belgium. He was responsible for discovering many soul records that made it big on the Popcorn scene, many of which floated over to the UK soul scene, his big find being Sam Fletcher - I'd think it over. A smashing bloke he will be sadly missed, he's been holding up the Popcorn revival in Belgium for the last 10 years. Rest in peace friend.

Edited June 30, 2021 by Chris L

[Amsterdam Russ]

Very sad news. RIP.

[Wheelsville1]

47 minutes ago, Chris L said:

Some very sad news, Gilbert 'Gibbe' Govaert one of the founding DJs of the Belgian Popcorn scene passed away. Whilst the UK was roaring away to fast dancefloor soul music in the 1970s we call Northern Soul, Belgium had it's own unique soul scene based on a slower tempo called Popcorn. Gilbert was one of the 2 DJs who started it all and was instrumental in bringing top soul acts like Major Lance, Otis Leavill and others to Belgium. He was responsible for discovering many soul records that made it big on the Popcorn scene, many of which floated over to the UK soul scene, his big find being Sam Fletcher - I'd think it over. A smashing bloke he will be sadly missed, he's been holding up the Popcorn revival in Belgium for the last 10 years. Rest in peace friend.

Sad news,many of the great mid tempo sounds that were played at stafford came over from the popcorn scene. 

[Chris L]

A great photo taken circa 1975, Gilbert, Major Lance, a lady who's name escapes me and Chris Burton.

Edited July 1, 2021 by Chris L

[Rick Cooper]

Interesting video of the Belgian Popcorn scene with Gilbert showing where and how it evolved. His enthusiasm and love for the music is obvious. I had a few Belgian buyers and went there in the mid 70s but never really understood the music, early 60s soul was OK but then orchestral cha-cha combos and instrumental reggae was hard to understand.