24th Edition of the Tunisian Song Festival Kicks Off in Tunis
Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026 – Venue: Théâtre de l’Opéra, Cité de la Culture, Tunis
Duration: 5 – 8 March 2026
The 24ᵗʰ edition of the Festival de la Chanson Tunisienne opened on 5 March with a star‑studded line‑up of singers, musicians, and cultural figures. The four‑day event celebrates creativity in Tunisian music through four competitive categories:
| Category | Focus |
|---|---|
| Song Creation | Original composition & arrangement |
| Interpretation | Vocal performance of classic or contemporary repertoire |
| Instrumental Music | Purely instrumental pieces |
| Overall Showcase | Live performances and award ceremony |
🎤 First Night Highlights (11 Works Presented)
Song‑Creation Competition
| Artist | Song | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oumaima Haouat | Mawtini | – |
| Mohamed Aidi | Holma | – |
| Mounir El Mahdi | Hkaya | – |
| Mohamed Taher Sohbi | Al Chared | – |
| Asma Chérif | Min Konna Sghar | – |
| Zina Saâd | Gharib | Composer of the music |
Interpretation Competition
- Lotfi Dahmani – performed Yalli Zalamni (originally by Ali Riahi)
- Jihane Kaïdi – sang Ya Magouani (a tribute to the late Naâma)
Instrumental Category
| Performer | Piece | Collaboration |
|---|---|---|
| Milad Melki | Zgharid wa Dmou3 | – |
| Walid Soussi & Oussama Mhidi | Oued Errmel | Joint work |
| Hatem Frikha | Ghoroub | – |
🎭 Scenography Sparks Debate
The National Orchestra of Music, conducted by Maestro Youssef Belhani, was placed in the pit beneath the stage, leaving singers alone on a digitally‑enhanced backdrop.
- Supporters argue the setup spotlights the vocal talent and creates a modern visual experience.
- Critics, led by Maher Hammami (Secretary‑General, Tunisian Union of Musical Professions), claim it marginalises the musicians who are essential to any performance.
Slim Sanhaji, member of the organizing committee, clarified at a press conference that the design “places the voice and stage presence of the singers at the heart of the show.”
📅 Schedule Until Closing Night
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6 – 7 March | Continuation of the three competitions (final rounds) |
| 8 March | Closing ceremony – prize awards (total prize pool 105 000 TND) and a special concert by Moroccan star Latifa Raafat |
Overall participation: 34 works – 18 in the creation contest, 9 instrumental, and 7 interpretation.
📚 Related Reading
Fictions ramadanesques – “El Matbaa” by Mehdi Hmili: A Beautiful Modesty
Keywords: Tunisian Song Festival 2026, Tunisian music competition, Latifa Raafat, Tunisian cultural events, song creation contest, instrumental music Tunisia, Youssef Belhani, Maher Hammami.
