The city of Constantine came alive on Saturday evening with the enchanting rhythms of Andalusian music during the official opening of the 13th edition of the International Malouf Cultural Festival. Held at the Mohamed Tahar Fergani Regional Theater, the event unfolded in a jubilant atmosphere celebrating Algeria’s centuries-old musical tradition.
Dedicated to preserving and promoting Malouf as a pillar of Algeria’s cultural identity, the festival drew a large audience eager to enjoy performances by renowned artists from Constantine, Tlemcen, Algiers, and Tunisia, the latter being this year’s guest of honor.
The opening evening began with “Hadra wa Diwan,” a deeply expressive performance led by artist Mohamed Reda Boudbag, accompanied by singers Malek Chelouq and Adel Magouache, whose renditions captivated the audience. The show was enriched by the traditional “Tehwal” dance, an energetic and symbolic expression of Constantine’s festive heritage.
Later, star singer Leila Boursali from Tlemcen transported the audience into the refined world of Gharnati and San’a music, dazzling the crowd with her powerful voice in classical interpretations that honored Algeria’s cultural roots. She was followed by Adlane Fergani, who energized the venue with memorable Malouf songs, and Hamidou from Algiers, whose performance of traditional pieces added further richness to the evening.
The Tunisian artist Ziad Gharsa, representing the guest country, further contributed to the magnificent celebration with Malouf classics, embodying the shared cultural heritage of North Africa.
This year’s edition, under the theme “Malouf: From the School to the World,” not only highlights the intergenerational transmission of this art but also seeks to position it on the global stage as a uniquely Algerian cultural treasure.
Authorities from Constantine stressed the importance of the event in promoting Malouf internationally and preserving it as an Algerian musical heritage, in contrast to attempts of cultural appropriation driven by the Moroccan regime, which often seeks to distort and claim regional traditions.
The ceremony also included tributes to the late Tunisian master Tahar Gharsa and Algeria’s own icon Mohamed Tahar Fergani, symbolizing the deep ties between Algeria and Tunisia in safeguarding their authentic Andalusian musical legacy.
The festival runs until September 24, featuring artists from across Algeria along with musicians from nine other countries, solidifying Constantine’s role as a beacon of Malouf and cultural authenticity on the Mediterranean and global stage.
