Closing of the 58th Carthage International Festival: 

 Assala Nasri Delivers a Concert of Pure Elegance and Emotion


The 58th Carthage International Festival came to a spectacular close on Saturday, August 17, 2024, with a breathtaking performance by the renowned Syrian singer Assala Nasri. The evening was nothing short of magical, offering festival-goers an unforgettable experience that exemplified artistic excellence and emotional depth. Assala, with her signature grace, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Carthage stage, saying, "No words can truly convey what I feel... I owe so much to the Carthage Festival and its audience."


This concert marked a poignant return for Assala, who first performed on this iconic stage in 1994 and last appeared here 17 years ago. She was met with a warm and enthusiastic reception from an audience that has consistently embraced her with open arms. By 2:00 PM, eager fans had already begun gathering, braving the intense heat and challenging weather conditions to ensure they could witness this special event.


At 10:00 PM, Assala emerged to a wave of applause, cheers, and whistles. Dressed impeccably, she was accompanied by an orchestra of 39 musicians, including instrumentalists and a choir, under the direction of Maestro Mustapha Helmi. The evening began with her powerful rendition of "Akthar Melli Ena Bahlam Bih," instantly engaging the audience, who sang along passionately throughout the concert, which extended until 1:00 AM.


Between songs, Assala took moments to reflect on her career and share nostalgic memories of her early days on this very stage. These intimate revelations were met with warmth and admiration, adding a personal touch to the performance. She continued with beloved hits like "Boodek Anni" and "Bent El Akabir," each song resonating deeply with the crowd.


In a moving tribute to Tunisia, the country that played a significant role in her career, Assala dedicated a special song titled "Tounes El Khadhra," with lyrics by Khaled Oughleni and adapted musically from her hit "Manga." She followed this with "Tounes Ya Ghneya Maktouba Ala Jbini," solidifying her bond with the Tunisian audience. The concert also featured a poignant homage to Palestine, marked by the sight of Tunisian and Palestinian flags being proudly waved from the stands.


For nearly three hours, Assala captivated the audience with a mix of her classic and contemporary hits, delivering powerful performances of songs like "Ya Magnoun," "Insan," "Samahtak," "Sondouk," "Asfa," and many others that have become anthems for her fans.


"I sing where there are emotions," Assala remarked during a post-concert press conference, where she spoke candidly about her artistic journey. Even though it was late, Assala's generosity shone through as she serenaded the attending journalists with an a cappella version of "Chokran," closing the night on a heartfelt note. This final gesture perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the evening—one of elegance, gratitude, and a deep connection with her audience. It was a fitting conclusion to a festival that has long celebrated the highest forms of artistic expression.