In the eighth performance of the 59th Carthage International Festival, Syrian singer Nassif Zeytoun renewed a profound bond with his Tunisian audience—a relationship first kindled on the festival stage in 2017.
From the moment Zeytoun began, the chemistry between him and the crowd was electric. Hit after hit, including “Tikka” and “Nami Asadri,” the atmosphere pulsed with rhythm and enthusiasm, the audience matching every beat.
Returning for his fifth appearance at Carthage, Zeytoun spoke warmly of his long-standing affinity for the festival: “Year after year, Carthage grows ever closer to my heart,” he said, acknowledging the unwavering support of fans dating back to his inaugural performance in 2017 and the dual nights in 2019, culminating with his most recent appearance in 2023. Audiences queued for hours, filling the historic theatre hours before showtime.
Midway through the concert, Zeytoun paused to pay tribute to the late Lebanese luminary Ziad Rahbani, performing “Qaddesh Kan fi Nass” in his honor. The crowd immediately joined in, echoing the melody and words—a poignant moment that underscored shared cultural reverence.
Zeytoun delivered a setlist spanning both old favorites and recent releases, fluidly navigating emotional ballads and spirited dance tracks. Songs like “Majmour,” “Mech Am Tezbat Ma’î”, and “Addini” became communal anthems, the audience elevating the performance with chorus-like participation.
A particularly touching moment saw Zeytoun invite a young blind Tunisian musician onstage to perform “Majwou’,” a gesture that drew a standing ovation and underscored the emotional rapport he shares with his followers.
Between songs, Zeytoun engaged the audience in dialogue—asking them to choose which songs they’d like to hear next. This spontaneous interaction reflected years of mutual trust and familiarity, a relationship that has strengthened over eight years of performances.
Across the two-hour set, Zeytoun displayed remarkable vocal versatility—soft yet powerful, gentle yet passionate—inflecting each lyric with deep emotion. The seamless transitions between his repertoire—old and new—revealed a singer in full command of his craft and in harmony with his audience’s expectations.
In a symbolic gesture honoring his homeland, Zeytoun performed “Hewaiti”, a salsa-like tribute to his Syrian identity. He also delivered “Win ‘a Ramallah”, receiving overwhelming audience response and reaffirming his role as a cultural bridge between artist and fans.
Ultimately, Nassif Zeytoun’s fifth Carthage concert transcended a typical live show—it was a vivid celebration of shared history, vocal artistry, and emotional connection, solidifying his status as one of the festival’s most beloved performers.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Saafi)
