The ancient theatre of Carthage echoed with the soul of Tunisia on Sunday night, as the International Festival of Carthage presented its seventh evening under the banner of a “Tunisian Night” — a powerful tribute to the country’s rich musical legacy.
The event gathered legendary performers and rising stars in a vibrant celebration of Tunisian music, drawing a packed audience and weaving together generations in a shared cultural experience.
The lineup featured renowned artists such as Mohsen Raies, Nawel Ghachem, Karim Chouaib, Moncef Abla, and Mounir Mahdi, alongside new voices like Nouha Rehaiem, Rihab Sghaier, Soumaya Hathroubi, and Firas Kolsi. Together, they delivered solo, duet, and group performances that revisited iconic songs while infusing them with fresh arrangements.
Guided by conductor Youssef Belhani, a 30-piece orchestra from the Tunisian National Troupe and a full choir provided rich musical backing throughout the evening.
The concert opened with “Ana eli tgharabt,” a patriotic anthem by Nawel Ghachem, specially adapted for the occasion. The choir followed with a medley of beloved Soulef tunes, setting the stage for a moving and melodic journey through Tunisian music history.
As seasoned artists shared the stage with emerging talents, each brought their unique style and influences, creating a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. From emotional ballads to upbeat rhythms, the program showcased the diversity and evolution of the national repertoire.
Highlights included “Addini” by Karim Chouaib, performed in a stirring duet with Anis Letaief, and Imed Aziz’s heartfelt rendition of “Nar Hobak.” The audience also joined in singing along to crowd favorites like “Mahla gaddak,” revived by Raja Omar and Sarra Nouioui, and “Azzarni,” performed by Moncef Abla and Firas Kolsi.
Accordionists Hayman Kamoun and Achref Malek earned thunderous applause for their instrumental interlude, while Jawhar Harmessi and Amir Ben Hnia lit up the stage with a brass-led tribute to the legendary Hedi Jouini.
Another standout moment was a musical homage to Hedi Kallel, featuring timeless pieces such as “Ye dar el habayeb” and “Malek ye malek.” The iconic Naama was honored with a medley of her most memorable songs, including “Mahla gaddek” and “Ach alina,” performed by Rehaiem, Hathroubi, and Nouioui with infectious energy.
The grand finale featured Nawel Ghachem performing a set of her signature songs, followed by a collective rendition of “Mezyena” by Sadok Thraya — a fitting conclusion to a night steeped in emotion and national pride.
Spanning more than two hours, the evening resonated deeply with a multigenerational audience that sang, danced, and celebrated in unison. More than just a concert, it was a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of Tunisian music — a vibrant dialogue between the past, the present, and the future.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Saafi)
