A Repertoire Blending Love and Patriotism
Under the baton of Maestro Youssef Belheni, accompanied by the Tunisian National Orchestra and enhanced by choreographies designed by Sihem Belkhoudja, Latifa delivered a performance that intertwined love songs and patriotic anthems, predominantly in the Tunisian dialect.
The evening opened with “El houma el arbi,” a vibrant ode to the Tunisian Medina, accompanied by a choreography featuring traditional attire. This was followed by classics like “Ye Sidi messi alina,” a hit from 22 years ago as Latifa noted, and “Bel arabi,” sung in unison by an enthusiastic audience.
An Intimate Connection with the Audience
Between songs, Latifa engaged continuously with her audience, sharing emotions, anecdotes, and emphasizing the special context of this evening dedicated to love for Tunisia.
With “Nhebek,” she and the dancers proudly raised the Tunisian flag, creating a moment of patriotic fervor.
The Palestinian cause was also highlighted: Latifa, holding the Palestinian flag, dedicated a heartfelt prayer to the Palestinian people at the end of her performance.
The song “Yally mrawah,” released two months prior, addressed the tragedy of illegal immigration, poignantly illustrated by a dancer wearing a lifebuoy.
A Dialogue with the Audience
Responsive to the audience’s requests, Latifa alternated between tracks from her new album “Albi rteh,” released in July 2025, and her iconic older songs. Thus, “Lama yguibo sirtak,” “Ya layali,” “Baheb f gharamek,” “Hobbak Hadi,” and “Inchallah” were sung passionately by the audience, accompanied by applause and youyous. For the first time on stage, she performed “Sorry,” a light and danceable track from her latest album, which electrified the crowd.
An Emotional Finale
The evening concluded on a high note with “Ahimou bi Tounes l Khadhraa.” Spectators, waving Tunisian flags, sang this iconic song in unison, while dancers in white proudly held the national flag. Behind them, a giant screen displayed the country’s emblem. Visibly moved, Latifa declared, “May God protect our country, Allah yahmi bledna.”
Meticulous Preparation and Ambitious Plans
During the press conference following the concert, Latifa revealed that the show required two months of preparation and will serve as the foundation for a tour across Europe and several Arab countries with the same choreography.
When asked about her socially engaged songs, she stated, “We cannot live disconnected from the world’s struggles.” She also emphasized the importance of keeping up with musical trends while adding her personal touch, staying true to her unique style.
Carthage, a Showcase for Tunisian Culture
This concert once again underscored the mission of the Carthage International Festival: to promote Tunisia’s rich cultural heritage while celebrating its icons. The audience can look forward to more performances by national artists, both solo and in groups, throughout the remainder of this edition.
