The 15th edition of the National Cultural Festival of Chaabi Song concluded on Thursday in Algiers during an official ceremony following four days of competition. Prizes were awarded to the winners of this edition, which featured the participation of 15 candidates.
The closing ceremony, held at the Moufdi Zakaria Palace of Culture, was attended by Amar Abba, Advisor to the President of the Republic in charge of diplomatic affairs, Abdelkader Bendamache, the festival commissioner, and Ahcene Guida, director of the Palace of Culture, along with several prominent artistic figures.
The jury, chaired by artist El Hadi El Anka, crowned four winners at the conclusion of the ceremony, presenting them with awards and financial rewards.
The first prize was awarded to singer Islam Larbi Bouamrane from Ain Defla, who was named the best singer of this edition for his performance of the song “Esh-Shamaa” by the late singer Kamel Messaoudi (1961-1998). The second prize was shared by Yacine El Achi from Constantine and Hicham Meziane from Algiers.
Mohamed Amine Kourak from Tiaret won the third prize in this 15th edition, while the special jury prize was awarded to Heba Cherk El Ain from Blida.
Before the final stage, the candidates received academic training through a workshop designed to help them refine their mastery of selection criteria, according to Khaled Chahlal Yacine, who was responsible for the evaluation report.
At the end of the ceremony, the members of the jury were honored. Additionally, the organizers announced that registration for the 16th edition of the National Cultural Festival of Chaabi Song will open starting July 1st.
Organized since 2006 under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Arts, the festival aims to preserve the heritage of this popular musical genre, particularly by training young talents capable of carrying the tradition forward.
