Stambeli Fusion Lights Up the Tahar Haddad Cultural Club in Tunis
The Tahar Haddad Cultural Club, nestled in the heart of the Médina of Tunis, hosted the “Stambeli Fusion” show on the evening of 22 February, led by Belhassan Mihoub. A large audience gathered not just to watch the performance, but to live it fully.
A Highlight of the “Ramadan Evenings” Series
The Press notes that Stambeli Fusion is the second event on the program of the annual “Layali Ramadhan” (Ramadan Evenings) series organized by the venue.
- Why the turnout was massive:
- Belhassan Mihoub’s fame – a leading figure of this artistic genre.
- Rarity of shows dedicated to this ancient rite.
What Is Stambeli?
Although it may appear from the outside as simple musical folklore, Stambeli is actually the identity symbol of a deeply rooted minority within Tunisian society.
- Origins: Brought by former Sub‑Saharan slaves, the practice blends music, chant, and dance and was originally intended to heal and liberate.
- Social & heritage value: It carries the painful memory of forced migration and subsequent servitude, while also representing intercultural exchanges between the ritual’s initiators and the Arab‑Muslim civilization of North Africa.
- Geographic spread: Today, most practitioners are based in Tunis, with a few in the southern regions.
- Related genres:
- Gnawa in Morocco
- Diwan in Algeria
An Original, Participatory Experience
Belhassan Mihoub belongs to the few remaining artists who stay attached to this ritual, working tirelessly to promote it in Tunisia and abroad by adding a modern twist.
During his performance at the Tahar Haddad Cultural Club:
- Captivating chants, hypnotic dances, and mystical trances delighted the audience.
- It was more than a show – an immersive experience that invited everyone present to join in.
Musical Fusion
| Traditional Instrument | Modern Element | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Gumbrī (three‑string lute, played by Mihoub) | Keyboard | Provides the melodic backbone |
| Shqāshiq (iron crotales) | Drum kit | Adds rhythmic sparkle |
| Percussion | — | Drives the pulse |
The resulting sound was original, highly rhythmic, amplified by Mihoub’s powerful voice and the energy of two accompanying musicians on the shqāshiq.
- Lyrics were sung in Tunisian dialect, featuring catchy, repeatable refrains such as “Ye Selma” and “Sidi Bahri.”
Dance & Audience Interaction
- After a thunderous musical interlude, a lead dancer entered the floor for a demonstration. Spectators, initially watching with fascination, joined him without hesitation.
- Dancers dressed in traditional Boussaadia costumes electrified the venue with their vigor, moving from the stage into the crowd for a collective dance that turned the hall into a festive trance.
Fire & Symbolism
A daring fire segment highlighted the precision and subtlety of the ritual, where danger and beauty intertwine in a hypnotic performance.
- The songs guided the movements, with certain notes and lyrics indicating specific gestures, intensifying the emotional impact.
End‑of‑Night Energy
Fueled by the contagious enthusiasm of the performers, most audience members stayed on the floor until the very end of the evening.
Continuity & Future Prospects
The “Stambeli Fusion” concept resonated with a multigenerational audience, both Tunisian and foreign.
- Existing fans of Belhassan Mihoub mingled with curious newcomers experiencing the art for the first time.
- While the Ramadan programming shines a light on this facet of heritage, venue capacity is limited and promotion often stays confined to a handful of social‑media posts.
Calls for Greater Support
Artists who continue to practice Stambeli despite scarce resources and limited institutional backing deserve more support and encouragement.
- Before taking the stage, Mihoub reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to transmitting the ritual.
- This responsibility drives him to conceive original collaborations and explore new creative pathways.
International Collaborations & New Releases
- Mihoub has already worked with foreign artists, mixing Stambeli tones with Western sounds.
- His discography includes numerous records released beyond Tunisia’s borders.
- New tracks have recently been recorded and are slated for release soon.
What Could Help?
- Policy makers in the cultural sector could provide funding, venues, and promotional channels, allowing Mihoub to expand his art and reach a broader audience.
- Diverse media coverage, especially with audiovisual content, would amplify his reach and raise public awareness of this cultural heritage.
Bottom Line
Stambeli Fusion proved to be more than a concert—it was a living, breathing celebration of a centuries‑old tradition, re‑imagined for contemporary audiences. With greater institutional backing and media exposure, this unique art form can continue to thrive, enriching Tunisia’s cultural mosaic and captivating the world.
