From July 19 to August 21, 2025, the historic Roman Theatre of Carthage hosted a dazzling sequence of concerts and cultural events as part of the 59th Carthage International Festival. Since its founding in 1964, the festival has been a living memory for Tunisians and a cultural beacon for the Arab world and beyond.
Mohamed Qarni – Min Qa‘ al-Khabia
The festival opened with a distinctly Tunisian evening led by Mohamed Qarni and his project “Min Qa‘ al-Khabia.” Blending traditional Tunisian sounds with modern arrangements, Qarni offered a performance that captured the festival’s spirit of heritage and renewal.
Riadh Fehri – Tapis Rouge
Riadh Fehri took audiences on a bold musical journey with “Tapi Rouge.” His fusion of popular rhythms with contemporary styles delivered a vibrant, experimental performance that kept the crowd engaged.
Aziz Jebali – A Fresh Tunisian Voice
Rising star Aziz Jebali showcased the energy of Tunisia’s new generation of musicians, offering fresh melodies and youthful charisma that pointed to a bright future for local music.
Latifa Arfaoui – The Diva Returns
Beloved Tunisian diva Latifa Arfaoui made a powerful comeback to the Carthage stage, revisiting her greatest hits while unveiling new work. Her emotive voice and radiant presence turned the evening into a celebration of memory and passion.
Ibrahim Maalouf – A Global Maestro
Lebanese–French trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf enchanted the audience with a performance that blended jazz and oriental scales. His world-class artistry reminded everyone that Carthage embraces music without borders.
Mohammed Assaf – Palestine’s Voice of Hope
Palestinian star Mohammed Assaf brought heartfelt emotion to Carthage. Singing of love, homeland, and resilience, his performance struck a powerful chord with the audience.
Sofia Sadek – Tunisian Elegance
Tunisian icon Sofia Sadek graced the stage with warmth and nostalgia, performing timeless songs that bridged generations and honored Tunisia’s rich musical legacy.
Nassif Zeytoun – A Lebanese Star Shines in Carthage
The Roman Theatre overflowed with fans for Lebanese sensation Nassif Zeytoun, whose electrifying set included his greatest hits and even a duet with Tunisian artist Mortadha Fetiti. Zeytoun’s charisma and interaction with the audience made his night one of the festival’s most memorable highlights.
Nancy Ajram – Pure Charm
Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram delivered a joyful evening filled with her signature hits. With her simplicity and charm, she turned Carthage into a collective celebration.
Najwa Karam – The Sun of Arabic Song
With her soaring voice and radiant stage presence, Najwa Karam lit up the amphitheater. Singing of love and homeland, she reaffirmed her place as one of the Arab world’s most enduring icons.
Adam – Voice of Emotion
Lebanese singer Adam offered a heartfelt performance, filled with passion and sincerity. His voice, rich with emotion, made the night an ode to love and longing.
Mai Farouk – Tribute to Umm Kulthum
Egyptian star Mai Farouk paid homage to the eternal Umm Kulthum on the 50th anniversary of her passing. With renditions of classics like “Enta Omri” and “Amal Hayati,” she transported Carthage audiences back to the golden age of Arab music.
Thalathoun – Honoring Fadhel Jaziri
The festival also celebrated cinema with a screening of the film “Thalathoun” in tribute to the late Tunisian filmmaker Fadhel Jaziri, a visionary whose work shaped the nation’s cultural memory.
Saint Levant – A Contemporary Voice
Palestinian–Chilean artist Saint Levant brought a global flair, blending rap, hip-hop, and Middle Eastern influences to deliver a fresh, youthful performance.
Ahlam – A Grand Finale
The festival closed in majestic style with Emirati diva Ahlam, who performed to a sold-out amphitheater. With her commanding presence and powerful voice, she delivered a finale worthy of Carthage’s legendary stage.
A Festival of Memory and Meaning
Since its inception in 1964, Carthage has welcomed legendary names such as Umm Kulthum, Fairuz, Warda, Abdel Halim Hafez, Charles Aznavour, Ray Charles, and Shakira. It remains more than a festival—it is a cultural identity, a meeting point between Tunisia, the Arab world, and the globe.
Acknowledgments
Tunisian Monitor Online extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the Press Office of the Carthage International Festival for their outstanding efforts in ensuring the success of this edition. Special acknowledgment goes to Ms. Yosra Hzougi and Ms. Houda Machhour, whose professionalism and dedication greatly facilitated the media coverage.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Esaafi)
