Portrait of Dhirar Kefi From Guitar to Singing, an Emerging Artist

From Guitar Strings to the Spotlight: The Rise of Dhirar Kefi

Source: La Presse

A Musical Journey That Began With a String‑less Guitar

After a solid stint as a guitarist, Dhirar Kefi turned to composition and is now tackling a new challenge: singing. He recently thrilled a wide audience in the show “Sing Life, Sing”, sharing the stage with vocalist Aida Niati and pianist‑composer‑artistic director Rafik Gharbi.

But the way Kefi entered the music world is as original as his sound. It started with a love‑at‑first‑sight encounter with a string‑less guitar he found on the street as a teenager.

“I hung it in my room, spent a long period just admiring it, and then felt an irresistible urge to get a real one and learn how to play it,” he told us.

What began as a decorative object quickly became a passion and, eventually, a vocation. A self‑taught guitarist, Kefi surrounded himself with fellow musicians who shared his enthusiasm.

“I always had my guitar with me, like a second shadow. I played everywhere, whenever the chance arose, and we never part‑ed.”

From Garage Band to International Collaborations

At 19, Kefi and his friends formed Jack Band, performing on small stages. Determination and experience later opened doors to collaborations with renowned artists in Tunisia and abroad. He even joined the Tunisian National troupe.

His résumé includes accompanying Turkish music legend Hüsnü Şenlendriçi, as well as Tunisian stars Adam, Zied Borji, Pascal Mechaalani, Faya Younane, Zied Gharsa, Lotfi Bouchnak, and Latifa Arfaoui. He has played memorable concerts across Tunisia, France, Canada, the Middle East, and beyond. Recent artistic projects feature “Ziara” by Sami Lejmi, “Raggouj” by Abdelhamid Bouchnak, and “Hier encore” by Rafik Gharbi.

How does he navigate such diverse musical registers, from folk to world music?

“Because the guitar is a versatile instrument,” he explains. “I’m curious to explore different styles and open myself to new experiences. Rearrangements bring a fresh vision—a blend that introduces a Western touch.”

From Collective Play to Personal Challenges

Moving beyond group performances, Kefi embraced composition. He describes his music as “nourished by sonic cross‑breeds and a quest for authenticity—deeply rooted yet boldly open.”

He has written scores for short films and theater pieces. In 2023, he presented his instrumental project “Hadra” (with Radhi Chawali and Hatem Frikha) at the Carthage Music Days. A year later, his track “Allegra” earned praise from audiences and critics at the Tunisian Song Festival for its originality.

“It’s a baroque melody re‑worked to reflect my style,” he notes. More compositions are on the horizon.

Taking the Mic: A New Chapter on Stage

Ever more ambitious, Kefi revived an old‑time passion that had been set aside for years: singing. On 8 February, he stepped onto the stage as a vocalist—guitar in hand—during “Sing Life, Sing.” The program featured timeless French songs and excerpts from Rafik Gharbi’s upcoming album “Alchimie.”

The audience at the Municipal Theatre of Tunis was captivated. Kefi covered French‑song legends, injecting modern energy into classics such as “Comme d’habitude” (Claude François) and “Vous les femmes” (Julio Iglesias). His duets with Aida Niati, a renowned lyrical singer, delivered a harmonious blend of two beautiful voices.

What was it like to be the front‑man rather than just a musician?

“A musician is the cornerstone of a musical project,” he says. “What’s new is the singer’s status—the ‘face’ of the project. The feeling of having more spotlights on me is a greater responsibility. I can’t afford mistakes and must constantly push myself.”

Looking Ahead: Arabic Songs and Wider Audiences

The successful show proved that Kefi’s voice opens the door to a decisive new phase in his career. His name now circulates beyond his usual circles, and a forthcoming project will see him sing in Arabic.

He believes an artist must be versatile to satisfy a broader, more demanding public while staying current and respecting all trends. Dates for the next performances will be announced soon.