Tunisian singer Sofia Sadok made a resounding comeback to the Carthage stage during the 59th edition of the Carthage International Festival, marking her first appearance in Tunisia since 2017. The evening, held in celebration of National Women’s Day, blended patriotic fervor, cultural heritage, and a deep homage to Tunisian womanhood.
Opening with a series of patriotic songs, Sadok addressed the audience with heartfelt words:
“I’m so happy to be here — I’ve missed you all so much. I want to salute Tunisian women on their national day and remind everyone that they are the best women in the world. I also wish the very best for Tunisia,” she said, before promising a long night of music and celebration.
Her setlist moved seamlessly between her own signature hits, including “Yhabel” and “Taarafni Ana Nmout Alik”, and Tunisian classics from the Malouf and national repertoire such as “Khali Baddalni”, “Alif Ya Soltani”, and “Bellah Ya Hmed”. Each song drew enthusiastic responses from a packed audience, reaffirming her place in the country’s musical history.
The evening also featured an homage to Palestine and a spiritually charged rendition of “Ilah El Aarch”. Sadok further honored Arab musical heritage by performing timeless works of Sheikh Imam and Oum Kalthoum, including “Aghadan Alkak”, “Hob Eih”, and “Baed Annak”, transporting the audience into a world of nostalgia and emotional resonance.
Adding to the magic, Sadok invited maestro Bechir Selmi to accompany her on stage. The celebrated violinist’s artistry enriched the performance, lending it an extra layer of elegance and intensity.
By the time the final notes faded into the Carthage night, Sofia Sadok had not only marked her long-awaited return but also delivered a memorable evening where patriotism, cultural pride, and timeless melodies intertwined — a performance destined to be remembered in Tunisia’s musical annals.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Saafi)
