The 60th edition of the International Festival of Carthage reached its ninth night with a spectacular performance by Tunisian singer Yosra Mahnouch on July 28, 2026, marking her highly anticipated return to the ancient amphitheater nearly three years after her last appearance during the festival’s 57th edition on August 16, 2023.
The sold-out concert, which filled every seat of the historic venue well before curtain rise, proved once again the immense popularity Mahnouch commands among Tunisian audiences. The evening was masterfully crafted as a journey through the rich tapestry of Arabic music, blending her greatest hits, timeless classics, heartfelt tributes to Tunisia’s musical heritage, and selections from her recent repertoire.
A Night of Tarab and Emotion
Accompanied by an orchestra under the baton of renowned maestro Abdelbasset Belgaied, Mahnouch opened her set with “Ghannou Maana,” immediately setting the tone for an evening dedicated to tarab—the transcendent musical state that connects performer and audience through profound emotional expression. She seamlessly transitioned into “Bafakkar Fik” and “Mayhana,” warming the crowd with her signature vocal prowess.
The artist then delivered two beloved classics from Egyptian icon Oum Kalthoum—”Kan Lak Maaya” and “Hob Eh”—earning thunderous applause from the captivated amphitheater. The audience’s enthusiastic response underscored Mahnouch’s remarkable ability to honor the great traditions while making them distinctly her own.
Continuing her musical journey, Mahnouch performed “Hawalaya Nas” and “Ebtaed Anni” before surprising fans with an international interlude, delivering a soulful rendition of the jazz standard “At Last” accompanied by piano, drums, and guitar—demonstrating her remarkable versatility as a vocalist.
Heritage and Celebration
The evening’s second half took on an increasingly festive atmosphere as Mahnouch presented a carefully curated selection from the Tarab repertoire, including “Zay El Hawa” and “Ay Damaat Hozn La.” Through these emblematic works, she showcased her extraordinary vocal range—combining power, technical mastery, and profound sensitivity that left audiences spellbound. Her capacity to inhabit each song, conveying its emotional depth while respecting the essence of Arabic musical classics, earned sustained ovations throughout the performance.
The celebration continued with crowd favorites including “Iskot Bas,” “Ya Rouhi,” “Khadija,” and “Ahit Ya Kalbi,” before Mahnouch delivered a moving tribute to Tunisia’s rich musical heritage. The final segment featured a medley of beloved Tunisian standards: “Ya Chadli,” “Ya Fares Baghdad,” “Rakeb Al Hamra,” “Rais El Abhar,” “Ana Bahri,” “Baba Cherif Alaji,” and “Ah Ya Baba Ya Baba.”
The evening culminated with an emotional rendition of “Ya Lella, Nouba Benzartiya,” closing the ninth night of the festival in an atmosphere of pure celebration and communion with the audience.
A Performance Worth the Wait
With the quality of her interpretation, the richness of her program, and the undeniable connection she forged with her audience, Yosra Mahnouch delivered a performance that exceeded all expectations. The sold-out return to Carthage’s ancient stage reaffirmed her position among the most powerful and beloved voices on the Tunisian music scene, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her next appearance at the historic amphitheater.
TunisianMonitorNews
