2013-01-31 – “For us, the nomination was already a pleasing form of recognition. The desire that really motivates me is to make this city better. Brussels’ Canal runs in my veins.” This was the reaction of Issam Akel, quoted in Le Soir newspaper, after the ceremony at which the winners were revealed of the “Brussels People of the Year 2012” competition, organised by La Capitale, Vlan, Viva-Bruxelles and Télé-Bruxelles.
Some 4,000 listeners and readers voted for their favourites in various categories (culture, sport, politics, society, economy) on the Internet, as well as for the winner across all categories. The winner in the culture category also received the most votes overall, and therefore gained the title “Brussels Person of the Year 2012”. This was the show “La vie c’est comme un arbre”, a play originating from the central districts of Brussels and created by the company “Les Voyageurs sans bagage”, founded by Issam Akel and his fellow-actors.
