58th Edition of the Carthage International Festival

The Wailers at Carthage
The Legends of Reggae, Still Going Strong

It seems that nothing has changed in the world of reggae since its inception in the 1970s. The genre still thrives with its danceable rhythms and messages of peace. What has changed is simply the name: Bob Marley has long since passed, and Bob Marley and The Wailers have become The Wailers. Celebrating their 40th anniversary tour, "The Legend," after stops in California and Caracas, The Wailers arrived in Tunisia for a concert on Sunday at the Roman Theatre of Carthage.

The iconic group was eagerly awaited by their fans, who filled every seat in the theater. Judging by the average age, audience reactions, and the choruses sung along, it's clear that this style of music still has a bright future. The stage lit up with psychedelic colors and lights as the group quickly entered to applause and cheers. Aston Barrett Junior, the young heir of the reggae legacy that spans generations, was born into the Jamaican scene. He is the son of Aston Barrett, the bassist of Bob Marley and The Wailers. Wearing a light blue shirt and a cap, he was energetic and expressive, with a microphone in hand, traversing the stage.

The concert started with a bang as the timeless and emblematic song "In Love" kicked things off and electrified the audience. The reggae-loving crowd responded immediately, with phones lighting up, heads nodding, and arms waving. The joy and enthusiasm were palpable. The audience sang along word for word, phrase by phrase, with bodies swaying and heads in the clouds.

The singer greeted the Tunisian audience with friendly salutations, which were met with cheers of joy and excitement. The celebration was complete, with references to Africa and its struggles, particularly against racism. The focus on just causes remains as strong as ever. Peace, love, and Rastafarian philosophy are the foundation of reggae music. In these uncertain times, the world demands these values, and The Wailers reiterated this at every turn. In Carthage, their audience sang for peace in unison.

For 90 minutes, from one song to the next, the "soul" of reggae filled the air of Carthage with its swaying melodies, messages of peace, and danceable rhythms. The crowd joyfully sang along to classic hits like "No Woman, No Cry," "I Shot the Sheriff," and "Get Up, Stand Up," displaying their enthusiasm and determination to enjoy every moment.