British-Iranian music sensation delivers transcendent performance blending Sufi poetry, flamenco, and global traditions before thousands in ancient amphitheater
The ancient stones of the Carthage amphitheater witnessed a moment of musical history on August 1 as multi-talented British artist Sami Yusuf took the stage for the 11th night of the International Festival of Carthage, marking his first performance at this iconic venue and his long-awaited return to Tunisia since 2012.
Born in Iran and raised in London, where he launched his global career, Yusuf has established himself as one of the world’s most influential musicians, with hundreds of millions of albums sold worldwide. His repertoire predominantly features spiritual chants that masterfully blend Sufi influences, Eastern musical traditions, Western sonorities, and classical music elements — a signature fusion that has captivated audiences across continents.
A Grandiose World Tour
The concert, part of Yusuf’s expansive world tour, saw the artist accompanied by his self-created ensemble, the “Fons Sophiae Collective” — whose name translates to “Fountain of Wisdom.” The stage featured 30 musicians and choristers from multiple countries, delivering a spectacle where artistic prowess merged seamlessly with spirituality in an experience both musical and contemplative.
Adding to the evening’s richness, Moroccan vocalists Nabila Maan and Ismaïl Boujia joined Yusuf alongside Spanish singer Isra Moro, creating a truly international collaboration that reflected the evening’s universal themes.
A Program of Sacred and Hybrid Works
The concert opened with Yusuf’s vocalizations accompanied solely by Eastern percussion instruments and two qanouns, setting an ethereal tone before launching into “Wallahi me talaat chamson we la gharobat” — one of the most celebrated Sufi poems of all time, composed centuries ago by Al-Halladj and set to music by Omar Khayrat in 2012.
In a moment that captured the evening’s eclectic spirit, the performance transitioned seamlessly into flamenco rhythms, followed by verses in Spanish and Latin before Eastern percussion sounds once again rose to prominence.
Speaking warmly to the audience afterward, Yusuf explained the origins of this hybrid piece titled “Veritas.” The Latin text, he revealed, comes from 12th-century German mystic Hildegard of Bingen, while the Spanish lyrics belong to Saint John of the Cross. The work premiered in Amsterdam in 2021 as part of the “One Heartbeat” concert series, with Carthage hosting only its second full-scale performance.
“This is the first time I am performing in the ancient theater of Carthage, and standing here, I fully realize what a privilege it represents,” a visibly moved Yusuf told the crowd. “The program is designed specifically for this venue, for its audience, and for the unique moment of this evening.”
A Journey Through Time and Tradition
The concert featured another timeless Al-Halladj poem, “Beladhi askara men aadhbi al hawa,” presented in a new, never-before-heard arrangement. The lineup also included “Madad,” the Arabic version of “Nasimi” from his album “A Timeless Presence,” followed by “Lifting the Veil” from his latest album “Ecstasy,” released in March 2026.
In a poignant moment, Yusuf dedicated a piece to the people of Gaza — an ode to resilience based on the famous verses of Mahmoud Darwish, “Nahnou nouhi oua l hayata,” performed as a duet with Nabila Maan and featuring musical elements reminiscent of Palestinian dabke.
The evening continued with the renowned Andalusian muwashshah “Lama bada yatathanna” in an extended special version incorporating English and Spanish verses. The audience actively participated in “Hasbi Rabi” from the 2005 album “My Ummah,” joining Yusuf in a communal singing experience that transcended linguistic boundaries with its Arabic, Turkish, and English lyrics.
A Grand Finale and Lasting Impact
Perhaps the most captivating moment came with “Un Corazón Bailando” from the 2024 album “Alma: When Paths Meet,” where Spanish flamenco, Moroccan mawwals, Andalusian musical traditions, and even Azerbaijani sonorities flowed together in seamless harmony. The piece featured all three soloists alongside Yusuf himself.
The evening concluded with the multilingual “Ecstasy,” the title track from Yusuf’s latest album — a work that reportedly took ten years to create. The percussion-driven composition brought the performance to a rousing finish, earning the artist and his troupe a prolonged standing ovation.
A Festival of Global Unity
This concert once again underscored the International Festival of Carthage’s commitment to showcasing diverse artistic styles and cultures. The festival continues through August 19, featuring a lineup of Tunisian and international performances designed to appeal to all tastes.
The International Festival of Carthage runs until August 19, with tickets available for remaining performances.
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