The tenth edition of the Carthage Music Days has officially kicked off in the City of Culture in Tunisia, marking a vibrant celebration of music, creativity, and cultural exchange. This year’s festival, running until January 24, promises an eclectic mix of performances, workshops, and discussions, bringing together artists from across the Arab world and beyond.
The opening ceremony was a spectacle of artistry and tradition. Tunisian artist Mohamed Ali Chebil set the tone with a stirring rendition of the national anthem, Hama Al-Hima, accompanied by piano. The evening was hosted by Mehdi Shamam, who introduced the audience to a night of musical fusion. The Ars Nova Napoli band,a six-member ensemble from Italy,added a unique flair to the event,blending Eastern and Western instruments in a performance that captivated the audience.
Dursaf Al-Hamdani, the festival’s artistic director, emphasized the event’s mission in her opening speech: “We celebrate together music of all kinds, music that has received interest in this festival and projects of a creative, modern nature.” She added, “Last session, we dreamed together, and today we return to complete the dream.”
This year’s lineup is a testament to the festival’s commitment to diversity and innovation. Among the participants are the Rast band from lebanon and Syria, the Essence Quartet from tunisia and France, the Shadows of the Atlas band from Tunisia, the Jousour – Amal zan band from Algeria, the Tarab Band from Iraq, Egypt, and Sweden, the Autostrad band from Jordan, and the Shakm band from Iran, Palestine, and France. Each act brings its unique sound,creating a rich tapestry of musical traditions.
the festival’s performances are spread across multiple venues, including the Opera Theater, the Districts Theater, the Young Creatives Theater, and Habib Bourguiba Street, all under the slogan Zaid in Sense. This year also introduces the Professionals Program, a series of workshops and discussions aimed at empowering music makers.Topics include business management for artists and digital solutions to support their careers.
The opening night concluded with a mesmerizing performance by Spanish artist La Jose, who blended flamenco, folk, and soul-funk in a show that left the audience in awe. Her performance was a fitting end to a night that celebrated the universal language of music.
| Key Highlights of Carthage Music Days 2025 |
|———————————————–|
| Dates: January 18–24, 2025 |
| Venues: Opera Theater, Districts Theater, young Creatives Theater, Habib Bourguiba Street |
| Artists: Rast, Essence Quartet, Shadows of the Atlas, Jousour – Amal Zan, Tarab Band, Autostrad, Shakm |
| Special Programs: Professionals Program (workshops on business management and digital solutions) |
| Opening Act: Mohamed Ali Chebil, Ars Nova Napoli, La Jose |
The Carthage Music Days continues to be a beacon of cultural unity, offering a platform for artists to share their craft and for audiences to experience the transformative power of music. Don’t miss this unusual celebration of sound and creativity.
Carthage Music Days 2025: A Festivity of Cultural Unity and Musical Innovation
The tenth edition of the Carthage Music Days has officially kicked off in the City of Culture in Tunisia, running from January 18 to 24, 2025. This year’s festival is a vibrant celebration of music,creativity,and cultural exchange,featuring performances,workshops,and discussions with artists from across the Arab world and beyond. We sat down with Noura El-Masri, a musicologist and cultural events specialist, to discuss the significance of this annual event and what makes the 2025 edition particularly special.
The Festival’s Mission and Vision
Senior Editor: Noura, thank you for joining us.To start, could you tell us a bit about the mission behind the Carthage Music Days?
Noura El-Masri: Thank you for having me. The festival’s mission is to celebrate the universal language of music while fostering cultural exchange. It’s a platform where artists from diverse backgrounds can come together to share their craft and inspire audiences. This year, under the slogan Zaid in Sense, the festival emphasizes innovation and creativity, pushing boundaries in how we experience and interpret music.
The Opening Ceremony: A Night to Remember
senior Editor: The opening ceremony sounded like a spectacular event. Could you share your thoughts on how it set the tone for the rest of the festival?
Noura El-Masri: Absolutely. The opening night was a lovely blend of tradition and modernity. Tunisian artist Mohamed Ali Chebil opened with a stirring rendition of the national anthem, followed by the ars Nova Napoli band from Italy, who brought a unique fusion of Eastern and Western instruments. The evening concluded with La Jose, whose flamenco, folk, and soul-funk performance left the audience in awe. It was a fitting celebration of the festival’s theme of unity and creativity.
This Year’s Lineup: A Tapestry of Musical Traditions
Senior Editor: The lineup this year is incredibly diverse.What are some of the highlights for you?
Noura El-Masri: The lineup is indeed a testament to the festival’s commitment to diversity. Acts like Rast from Lebanon and Syria, Jousour – Amal zan from Algeria, and Shakm, featuring artists from Iran, Palestine, and France, bring unique sounds that reflect their cultural heritage. The Tarab Band, with members from Iraq, Egypt, and Sweden, is another standout, blending conventional maqam with contemporary influences. Each performance adds to the rich tapestry of musical traditions showcased at the festival.
The Professionals Program: Empowering Music Makers
Senior Editor: This year introduces the Professionals Program. Can you tell us more about its significance?
Noura El-Masri: The Professionals Program is a groundbreaking addition. It offers workshops and discussions on topics like business management for artists and digital solutions to support their careers. In today’s rapidly changing music industry, these resources are invaluable for helping artists navigate challenges and thrive. It’s not just about creating music but also about sustaining a career in it.
The Venues: A Blend of Tradition and modernity
senior Editor: The festival is spread across multiple venues, including the Opera Theater and Habib Bourguiba Street. How do these locations contribute to the festival’s atmosphere?
Noura El-Masri: The choice of venues is intentional, blending ancient and modern spaces. The Opera Theater provides a grand, classical setting, while Habib Bourguiba Street offers an open, vibrant atmosphere that invites the community to engage with the festival. Each venue adds its unique flavor, enhancing the overall experience for both artists and audiences.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Carthage Music Days
Senior Editor: what does the future hold for the Carthage Music Days?
Noura El-Masri: The festival has established itself as a beacon of cultural unity, and I believe it will continue to grow in influence. By embracing innovation and inclusivity, it sets a standard for other cultural events in the region. I’m excited to see how it evolves in the coming years, bringing even more diverse voices and creative expressions to the forefront.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Noura, for sharing your insights. The Carthage Music Days truly is a celebration of the transformative power of music.
