The multi-hyphenate artist delivered a breathtaking two-hour set at the iconic Roman Theatre, proving why he is one of the Arab world’s most streamed and beloved voices.
The ancient Roman Theatre of Carthage was packed to capacity on the evening of August 8 as Egyptian singer-songwriter Tamer Ashour took the stage for his very first performance at a Tunisian festival. The atmosphere was electric as the multi-talented artist, whose melancholic and romantic anthems have amassed hundreds of millions of streams, solidified his status as one of the most influential names in contemporary Arabic music.
Ashour, who has spent over two decades building his career as a composer and performer, treated the audience to a masterclass in emotional storytelling. He began his artistic journey writing for other stars before stepping into the spotlight, and his repertoire—spanning classic hits to recent chart-toppers—effortlessly captivated a diverse, cross-generational crowd.
Speaking at a press conference prior to the show, the artist made it clear that he does not bow to fleeting trends. “I have a deep preference for songs that carry poignant emotions,” he stated, a philosophy that resonated throughout the night.
A Setlist of Generational Hits
Taking the stage to thunderous applause, Ashour launched into a career-spanning setlist that featured 23 of his original compositions. The concert opened with “Hekayat,” the title track of his 2014 album, before seamlessly transitioning into “Errak al nia” from the 2018 record Khayali. The artist also treated fans to newer material, including the single “Yaah” (2024) and tracks from his eponymous 2025 album.
The crowd proved to be ardent fans, singing along word-for-word to every hit. Standout moments included the euphoric reception of “Mirayt l hob”—a track from his latest album released just two weeks prior, which Ashour performed live for the very first time. A particularly emotional highlight was “Hayguili mawgouâa” (2024), which sparked a massive singalong and underscored the profound connection between the artist and his audience.
The energy reached a fever pitch with “Teslam,” the 2008 breakthrough hit that catapulted Ashour to pan-Arab stardom. Despite its upbeat tempo, the track retained the bittersweet, soulful essence that defines his musical identity. The evening was punctuated by enthusiastic standing ovations, cheers, and even traditional youyous from the elated crowd.
The Composer’s Craft
Demonstrating his prowess behind the scenes as a composer, Ashour delivered a stunning medley of songs he has written for other prominent artists. This included “Allahou aalam” for Fadhel Chaker and “Hekayti maak,” the iconic track he composed for Lebanese superstar Elissa.
The Carthage concert was not just a performance; it was a meeting between the Tunisian public and an artist of immense depth and recognition. Far from the superficial, viral hits of the moment, Ashour has built a robust, enduring career, steadily expanding his audience while staying true to his musical roots. As the evening proved, his catalog continues to attract a loyal and ever-growing fanbase.
The International Festival of Carthage continues until August 19, featuring a stellar lineup of stars from Tunisia and across the region.
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