Under the baton of Maestro Youssef Belhani, the Tunisian National Troupe, comprising around thirty musicians and choristers, accompanied a stellar lineup of singers: Mohsen Raies, Nawel Ghachem, Karim Chouaib, Moncef Abla, Mounir Mahdi, Raja Ben Said, Nouha Rehaiem, Rihab Sghaier, Soumaya Hathroubi, Firas Kolsi, Imed Aziz, Sarra Nouioui, Najwa Omar, and Anis Letaief. Together, they delivered solo, duet, and collective performances, blending classics from the Tunisian repertoire with modern arrangements.
A Musical Journey Across Eras
The evening opened with "Ana eli tgharabt," a patriotic song performed by Nawel Ghachem, with lyrics specially adapted for the Carthage occasion. The choir followed with a medley of Soulef’s songs, immersing the audience in festive nostalgia. Iconic tracks such as "Addini" by Karim Chouaib in duet with Anis Letaief, "Nar Hobak" by Imed Aziz, "Mahla gaddak" by Raja Ben Said and Sarra Nouioui, and "Azzarni" by Moncef Abla with Firas Kolsi resonated with the audience, who sang along to these tunes etched in the collective memory.
The program also paid tribute to legends like Hedi Kallel with a medley of timeless songs such as "Ye dar el habayeb" and "Malek ye malek." A medley dedicated to Naama, including "Mahla gaddek" and "Ach alina," set the crowd dancing, fueled by the infectious energy of Nouha Rehaiem, Soumaya Hathroubi, and Sarra Nouioui.
Memorable Instrumental Performances
The musicians also shone brightly during the evening. Accordionists Hayman Kamoun and Achref Malek delivered a performance that earned enthusiastic applause, while Jawhar Harmessi and Amir Ben Hnia captivated the audience with brass solos evoking the legacy of Hedi Jouini. These instrumental moments added depth to the experience, highlighting the richness of Tunisian musical heritage.
A Grand Finale
The evening concluded spectacularly with a selection of Nawel Ghachem’s songs, performed solo, followed by a collective rendition of "Mezyena" by Sadok Thraya. For over two hours, the audience, spanning all ages, sang and danced in a festive and meaningful atmosphere. This "Tunisian Evening" was not merely a concert but a true bridge between the past, present, and future of Tunisian music, celebrating cultural continuity and the enduring legacy of a unique musical heritage.
