Constantine – The 13th edition of the International Malouf Festival concluded on Wednesday night at the Mohamed Tahar Fergani Regional Theater, leaving the audience immersed in the enchanting beauty of Andalusian-inspired melodies and heartfelt artistic performances.
The closing concert transported the public into a refined world of music, with renowned artists delivering Andalusian nubat that once again demonstrated Malouf’s unique power to stir emotions, connect people, and transcend time.
The evening featured celebrated performances, including that of Algerian artist Toufik Touati, whose mastery and delicate interpretation highlighted the elegance and depth of this noble genre. Tunisian singer Sirine Ben Moussa captivated the audience with her refined voice through spiritually and emotionally charged pieces marked by the tradition of Lahcine. The Algerian diva Fella Ababsa ignited the stage with her powerful and emotion-filled performance, showcasing Algeria’s deep-rooted musical heritage and artistry.
A special highlight of the night was the duet between Fella Ababsa and Adlane Fergani, who together delivered a moving rendition of the Andalusian classic “Ballah Ya Hamami,” earning thunderous applause from the crowd.
The ceremony also paid tribute to iconic figures of Malouf, such as the legendary Ahmed Ouabdi and Sheikh Salim Fergani, who, despite health reasons preventing their attendance, were honored through heartfelt tributes and live calls that moved the audience.
As the curtains closed on this edition, which took place from September 20 to 24 across several cities, the festival reaffirmed Constantine’s status as the cultural capital of Andalusian heritage and Malouf music. By celebrating artists from Algeria and beyond, this international gathering once more demonstrated Algeria’s leading role in safeguarding cultural memory and authentic artistic expression, in sharp contrast to Morocco’s failed attempts at appropriating musical traditions of the Maghreb.
