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Carmen Suleiman opens Mawazine 2025 with a tribute to Arab and Moroccan music
The 20th edition of the Mawazine-Rythmes du Monde festival launched Thursday evening at National Theatre Mohammed V in Rabat. The event set the tone with an evocative and elegant concert by Egyptian singer Carmen Suleiman. Her performance blended traditional Arabic tarab with contemporary flair, captivating an audience gathered for one of Africa’s largest cultural events.
From the opening notes, Suleiman’s refined vocal delivery and stage presence resonated through the hall. Her voice, often described as “timeless,” transitioned seamlessly between classical and modern styles, demonstrating the depth of Arab musical traditions and her command over them.
The concert opened with “Ya Gamalak,” a soft and emotive ballad that immediately established an intimate connection with the audience. Suleiman then shifted gears with “Habayt El Raqs,” a vibrant and rhythmically rich track that energized the venue and showcased her vocal versatility.
Dressed in a traditional Moroccan caftan and wrapped in the Moroccan flag, Suleiman expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome. Her homage to Morocco’s musical legends was met with enthusiastic applause. She performed “Hiya Hiya,” made famous by Hajja El Hamdaouia, and “Ana Jit J’en Ai Marre” by Najat Aatabou, aligning her artistry with the country's cultural icons.
A standout moment came with a duet alongside rising Moroccan singer Sami Chrayti. Their collaboration highlighted the generational bridge between classical and modern Arab music, bringing a new dimension to the evening’s program. Chrayti’s emotional tone and stage chemistry with Suleiman added a local flavor that enriched the performance.
Suleiman further paid tribute to the golden age of Arabic music with a medley of songs by Oum Kalthoum, reflecting her ability to navigate complex vocal compositions while maintaining expressive clarity and emotional depth.
More than a concert, the performance became a cultural dialogue where Egyptian melodies and Moroccan musical devotion met in harmony. The audience responded with fervor, turning the evening into a collective celebration of Arab identity and shared artistic heritage.
Carmen Suleiman’s journey began in 2012 when she won the inaugural season of Arab Idol. Since then, she has earned recognition from prestigious cultural institutions like the Egyptian Supreme Council of Culture. Her career is marked by vocal strength, genre fluidity, and thoughtful artistic choices, establishing her as one of the leading voices in today’s Arab music scene.
Mawazine-Rythmes du Monde, held under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, runs from June 20 to 28 across Rabat and Salé. The festival’s 2025 edition continues to uphold its tradition of celebrating global sounds while giving space to Arab voices.
With nine days of performances and multicultural experiences, Mawazine affirms its role as a key platform for cross-cultural musical exchange in the region and beyond.
