Syrian diva makes a triumphant return after 21 years, while rising star Mohamed Khayri proves his mettle with a masterful performance.
Carthage witnessed a spectacular night of musical heritage on August 6, as two distinct Syrian voices took center stage in a concert that seamlessly bridged generations. The evening featured the long-awaited return of legendary songstress Mayada El Hennawy, marking her first performance in Tunisia after a 21-year hiatus, alongside the dynamic and rising artist Mohamed Khayri.
Backed by nearly thirty musicians from the Tunisian National Orchestra, the artists delivered a performance that was both nostalgic and invigorating. The baton was expertly passed from maestro Mazen Zouaidi to maestro Youssef Belhani, guiding the audience through a rich tapestry of sound. The venue was filled with a large and diverse crowd, proving the enduring appeal of classic Arabic music.
Mohamed Khayri opened the night, immediately setting a high bar. Known for his masterful interpretations of tarab classics, he has simultaneously carved out a unique artistic identity. Before his live set, the audience was treated to the premiere of his latest music video, “Wejhet nadhar,” released on the very day of the performance.
Khayri launched his set with the iconic Andalusian mouachah “Lama bada yatathanna,” before moving into Sabah Fakhri’s “Sibouni bi hali.” His repertoire was a carefully curated journey through the Arab world’s musical heritage. He performed Sayyed Makaoui’s “Wehyatak ye habibi” and paid homage to the legendary Warda with the beloved verse “Me tfoutnich ana wahdi.”
The setlist was a testament to the depth of his vocal ability, featuring Oum Kalthoum’s “Biid 3anak” and a moving extract from “Enta omri.” The artist also showcased his connection to Syrian tradition with a series of Aleppine Qudud, including “Ah ye hilou,” “Ebaathli gawab,” and “Kadoka al mayass.” This repertoire, cherished and passed down through generations and immortalized by Sabah Fakhri, remains a powerful draw for audiences. He also included the Iraqi classic “Foug enakhal,” demonstrating the unifying power of the region’s musical heritage.
Despite the rhythmic complexity of these pieces, Khayri exhibited flawless vocal control and a remarkable stage presence. He seamlessly blended his own work into the night, performing his original track “Snin,” released five years ago. Expressing his joy at performing in Carthage, he endeared himself to the local crowd by donning a traditional Tunisian Djebba for a significant portion of his set. The audience sang along with immense enthusiasm, giving him a well-deserved standing ovation and cementing his status as one of the festival’s standout revelations.
The atmosphere shifted as the lights turned to Mayada El Hennawy. Radiating elegance and with a voice laden with emotion, the iconic star delved straight into her rich catalog. She opened with “Ana mokhlissalak” (1993) and followed with the timeless “Habina w thabina” (1984), a classic composed by the legendary Baligh Hamdi. She then transported the audience with “El layali” (1997), a poignant piece with lyrics by Abdel Rahman El Abnoudy and music by Ammar El Cherii.
The night’s most powerful moments came with “Mahma yhawlou ytafou echams” and “Ken ye makan,” where the audience’s familiarity with the lyrics created a beautiful, shared sense of intimacy. After performing “Fatet sana,” she brought the house down with her legendary anthem, “Ana baachaak.”
These timeless tracks rekindled vivid memories for the audience. The enduring strength of El Hennawy’s repertoire lies in the powerful fusion of poignant lyrics and unforgettable melodies, but also in the profound memories it evokes. It is music that has charmed multiple generations, defined decades of Oriental song, and continues to stand resilient against the tides of fleeting trends.
The evening showcased two distinct artists and two unique atmospheres, yet a clear thread connected them: music that transcends time. It was a celebration of songs that maintain their brilliance, carried forward with equal passion by both the rising generation and the timeless greats.
TunisianMonitorNews
