Stambali Performance Lights Up Carthage Music Days in Tunis
The streets of Tunis came alive on Tuesday evening as the Stambali group took center stage during the Carthage Music days Festival. This vibrant performance marked a shift from the festival’s indoor concerts,bringing a unique energy to the heart of the Tunisian capital.
The tenth edition of the festival, which began on January 19 and runs until January 24, has already seen performances from international acts like the Jordanian Highway Band, the Tunisian show Si Al-Mahf, and the Swedish-Iraqi band Tarband. However, the Stambali group’s street performance added a distinctly local flavor to the event.
Stambali, a musical tradition rooted in the history of Tunisia’s black community, is known for its African rhythms and unique instruments like the gambari and shaqashek. The group’s performance included iconic songs such as “Baba Bahri,” “Saadia,” “Hamouda,” and “May God’s peace be upon you,” which resonate deeply with the community’s aspirations for freedom and emancipation.
Murad Taqiyya, a researcher in ethnic music, highlighted the cultural importance of Stambali in an interview with Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed. “Stambali is one of the artistic performances that carries social connotations that express the history of a group of Tunisian society, namely the Negroes, through music and singing, with the aim of preserving their musical heritage,” he said. Taqiyya added, “The Stambali or Obaid Ghabenten bands express the music of Negroes in Tunisia, which was influenced by and intertwined with Arabic music, despite preserving its African rhythm.”
The street performance drew a large and eager crowd, showcasing the enduring appeal of this traditional art form. As the carthage Music Days Festival continues, it remains a celebration of both global and local musical traditions, uniting audiences in a shared appreciation for the power of music.
| Key Highlights of Stambali Performance |
|——————————————–|
| Location | Main street of Tunis |
| Date | January 21, 2025 |
| Significance | Celebrates African roots and Tunisian heritage |
| Instruments | Gambari, shaqashek |
| Iconic Songs | “Baba Bahri,” “Saadia,” “Hamouda,” “May God’s peace be upon you” |
The Stambali performance was a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that defines Tunisia, offering festival-goers a glimpse into the soul of its musical heritage.
