Lebanese superstar Rayan delivered a powerful performance at the Festival International de Carthage on August 2, marking his first appearance in Tunisia in nearly two decades, all in support of palliative care.
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, Rayan performed as a volunteer artist, with all proceeds from the concert donated to the Tunisian Association for the Promotion of Palliative Care. The initiative carries profound personal significance for the singer, who bravely battled cancer himself several years ago and has since made a full recovery.
“This idea came from my heart,” Rayan revealed during a press conference before the show. Having faced his own health challenges, the artist expressed a deep desire to support those still fighting the disease.
A Historic Donation
The Tunisian Association for the Promotion of Palliative Care, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has never before received such a generous contribution from an artist. Earlier on the concert day, Rayan made a touching visit to the Salah Azaiez Institute, spending time with patients and offering words of encouragement.
Musical Journey Through Nostalgia
Accompanied by the Tunisian National Orchestra under the direction of maestro Youssef Belhani, Rayan opened his set with “Tounes,” a specially composed tribute to Tunisia sung in Lebanese dialect. The song immediately established a warm connection with the audience.
The concert featured an emotional journey through Rayan’s extensive repertoire, including:
- “Kanet rouhi” from his 2006 album “Hekyou Einayk”
- The upbeat “Ha’allimak” from 2007’s “Win brouh”
- A reimagined version of Georges Wassouf’s “Khsert kol enass alachanou”
- The title track “Hala ghariba” from his 2004 album
Crowd Favorites and Surprising Moments
The highlight of the evening came when Rayan performed his biggest hit “Ahla gharam” in a fresh, dynamic arrangement, transforming the audience into a massive choir. Two decades after its release, “Hekyou Einayk” still resonates strongly, proving the timelessness of his music.
The singer also delivered powerful covers of classics by Fairouz and Abdelhalim Hafedh, including “Nassam alayna l hawa,” during which he proudly waved both the Tunisian and Lebanese flags. In a moving tribute to late Tunisian singer Dhekra, Rayan led the audience in singing her timeless hit “El Assami.”
A Triumphant Return
Rayan, who rose to stardom in the early 2000s with immediate chart-topping success, may have stepped back from the spotlight in recent years, but his popularity remains undeniable. His music continues to amass millions of views across streaming platforms, proving his enduring appeal.
The concert closed with a reprise of “Tounes,” bringing the evening full circle. Through this eclectic and demanding setlist, Rayan reaffirmed his talent and his special connection with Tunisian audiences.
Beyond the entertainment, this charity concert delivered a powerful message about the transformative power of music. It demonstrated that art can transcend mere entertainment to become an act of sharing, solidarity, and profound humanity.
TunisianMonitorNews
