The multi-talented artist delivered a two-hour career-spanning performance at the historic Carthage Theatre, cementing his status as one of the Arab world’s most beloved voices.
The ancient Carthage Theatre was packed to capacity on the evening of August 8 as Egyptian singer-songwriter Tamer Ashour took the stage for his first-ever performance at a Tunisian festival.
The multi-hyphenate artist, whose melancholic romantic anthems have amassed hundreds of millions of streams across digital platforms, proved exactly why he’s considered one of the most influential names in contemporary Arabic music.
With a career spanning over two decades, Ashour began his artistic journey primarily as a composer for other artists before stepping into the spotlight as a performer. His extensive catalog—from early classics to recent releases—has struck a chord with audiences across generations.
“I don’t follow fleeting trends,” Ashour emphasized during the press conference preceding the concert. “I’ve always had a preference for songs that carry poignant, genuine emotions.”
A Setlist Spanning Two Decades
Taking the stage to thunderous applause, the artist launched into a meticulously curated two-hour program featuring exclusively his own works. The 23-song setlist was a masterclass in musical storytelling, weaving between upbeat numbers and tender ballads delivered with Ashour’s signature powerful and expressive vocals.
The evening opened with “Hekayat,” the title track from his 2014 album, before flowing into “Errak al nia” from his 2018 record “Khayali.” The performance also featured “Yaah,” a single released in 2024 that later appeared on his eponymous 2025 album.
Ashour journeyed through his extensive discography, treating the audience to fan favorites including “Asr biid,” “Tigui netrahen,” “Kont fin,” and “Hagui ala nafsi.” The crowd enthusiastically sang along to every word, creating a palpable sense of collective euphoria that filled the ancient amphitheater.
A particularly special moment came with “Mirayt l hob”—a track from his album released just two weeks prior—marking the song’s live debut. The performance of “Hayguili mawgouâa” from 2024 became an instant highlight, with the audience demonstrating their intimate knowledge of the lyrics.
A Testament to Timeless Appeal
The set also included “Teslam,” Ashour’s 2008 breakthrough hit that catapulted him to pan-Arab stardom. Despite its upbeat rhythm, the song retains the bittersweet emotional depth that characterizes much of his repertoire. Each performance was met with sustained applause and even enthusiastic ululations from the captivated crowd.
Demonstrating his prowess as a composer, Ashour also performed a medley of songs he had written for other artists, including “Allahou aalam” for Fadhel Chaker and “Hekayti maak,” which he composed for Lebanese superstar Elissa.
A Career Built on Substance
The evening served as a powerful reminder of Ashour’s enduring appeal and prolific output. Far from the ephemeral chart-toppers that come and go with changing seasons, his music continues to attract a diverse, loyal, and ever-growing fanbase.
The Carthage International Festival continues through August 19, with a stellar lineup of Tunisian and international artists still to come. For those who packed the ancient theatre on this August night, however, Ashour’s debut performance will undoubtedly stand as one of the festival’s most memorable highlights.
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