59th Edition of the Carthage International Festival 2025: A Tribute to Tunisian Musical Heritage
The 59th edition of the Carthage International Festival opened on July 19, 2025, with the performance Men Qaa el Khabia led by maestro Mohamed Garfi, in the presence of the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Amina Srarfi.
This concert, born from meticulous research, unearthed forgotten melodies, taking the audience on a journey through the history of Tunisian music.
A Celebration of Heritage
The performance began with maestro Mohamed Garfi and the Tunisian Symphony Orchestra, dressed in black, joined by a choir. Iconic pieces such as Slem el Bey, Wedoouni, and Yeli boadak dhayaa fekri set the tone for the evening, introduced by comedian Jamel Madani, whose narration guided the audience through different eras. The National Folk Arts Troupe enriched the experience with choreographies in traditional costumes, refreshed for each piece, adding a vibrant visual dimension.
A Lineup of Talented Artists
Four renowned singers took the stage, reviving timeless classics. Meherzia Touil performed Zaama ysaffi eddahr, a composition by Mohamed Triki with lyrics by Mahmoud Bourguiba. Hamza Fadhaloui brilliantly interpreted Eli taada w fet and Hobbi yetbadel yetjaded by Hedi Jouini, with the audience singing along.
Guest of honor Chedly Hajji captivated the crowd with Eli me yaarafch l hob and Sidi Bou Said by Ali Riahi. Chokri Omar Hanachi revisited El fajr leh by Mohamed Jamoussi and Sea Hnia by Hedi Jouini.
Jamel Madani interspersed the concert with poetic interludes, delivering humorous texts by Ali Douagi in Tunisian dialect, infused with theatrical flair to highlight their irony. He also performed two satirical songs, enhancing the narrative depth of the show.
A Rich and Moving Repertoire
The program featured compositions by Kaddour Srarfi, Abdelhamid Slaiti, Mohamed Garfi, and the Rahbani brothers, shedding light on lesser-known works. Omri w omrek, a poignant piece by Kaddour Srarfi, was performed as a duet by Hamza Fadhaloui and Meherzia Touil. Together, they also sang Nachid al Hayat, a poem by Abou El Kacem Chebbi set to music by Abdelhamid Slaiti.
The concert concluded with a collective rendition of Sayf fal Yoch’har, a powerful tribute to the resilience of the Palestinian people, uniting the singers’ voices in a celebration of dignity and courage in the face of adversity.
A Visual and Symbolic Tribute
Giant screens displayed portraits of legendary composers and lyricists, paying homage to those who shaped Tunisian music. Images of rural women and demonstrations in support of the Palestinian cause accompanied the final song, reinforcing the themes of humanity and solidarity woven into the performance.
Tradition and Modernity
This concert masterfully blended reverence for heritage with modern interpretation, reviving the finest chapters of Tunisian musical history. Each piece offered a rediscovery, a moment of connection with the artistic legacy of the past century. With this unforgettable opening, the 59th edition of the Carthage Festival proves that tradition can engage with the present, and that Tunisia’s musical memory continues to resonate powerfully in the hearts of today’s audiences.
