The 7th International Cultural Festival “L’Été en Musique” officially commenced on Tuesday evening in Algiers with a vibrant inaugural night celebrating Algerian musical heritage alongside African rhythms and sounds. The festival runs from October 15 to 20.
Held at the iconic “El Atlas” hall in the Bab El Oued neighborhood, this year’s festival boasts the evocative theme “Live The African Beat,” which encapsulates an atmosphere of cultural fusion and exchange. Notably, the event coincides with the first-ever “CANEX WKND” (Creative Africa Nexus Weekend) hosted in Algiers, as explained by Abdellah Bouguendoura, the festival commissioner and director general of the National Office for Culture and Information (ONCI), during a press conference.
Initiated by Afreximbank in 2020, “CANEX WKND” aims to promote Africa’s cultural and creative industries and will take place from October 16 to 19 at the Exhibition Palace in Les Pins Maritimes, under the overarching theme “A People United by Culture and Creative Service to the World.”
Originally slated for July 2024, the 7th edition of the “L’Été en Musique” festival was postponed in solidarity with Palestine and its people in Gaza, who continue to endure violent assaults from occupying forces. The festival features performances by both Algerian and international artists from countries including Mauritania, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, and Uganda, Bouguendoura reiterated.
Under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Arts, the festival opened with dynamic performances from Algerian artists Areslane Bouras and Joe Batoury, along with Senegalese singer Didier Awadi, who energized the audience.
Attendees included Abderrezak Baba, deputy director of cultural property inventory, representing the Minister of Culture and Arts Soraya Mouloudji; festival commissioner Abdellah Bouguendoura; members of the Cuban diplomatic mission accredited in Algiers; and participating African artists. Areslane Bouras took the audience on a captivating dreamlike journey.
Accompanied by Mokhtar Choumane on ney, Aâmmi Hocine on t’bel, Cherif Benmeghnia on drums, Rafik Kettani on percussion, Omar Bouraï on violin, and Rami Bekhouche on keyboard, Areslane Bouras presented “El Basma” (The Mark), showcasing a rich repertoire that highlighted works from Algeria’s diverse regions.
Among the pieces performed were “Ya Dzayer” and “Fet elli fet” from the Oran region, “El Herraz” and “Ana El Kawi” representing Algiers, “Kabyle folklore,” “Sobbar ach rach” for the Chaoui, and “Demâa” and “Amin, amin” from southern Algeria.
With 25 years of experience, Joe Batoury made his return after a seven-year hiatus, during which he developed a new style: “Afro Beat drums.” He captivated the venue with a DJ setup surrounded by percussion instruments, delivering heavy sounds and striking binary rhythms played in loops against a backdrop of intense, colorful lighting.
Pan-African music artist Didier Awadi from Senegal, accompanied by Congolese Jared on piano, Berléa on vocals, Gabonese Ismael on bass, Jason on drums, and Ivorian Jean Stéphane also on piano, mesmerized the audience with a non-stop performance featuring seamless transitions into captivating grooves.
The crowd reveled in lyrically rich songs, including tributes to Ismael Lo and Touré Kunda with “Africa” and “Emma,” respectively, as well as “L’impertinent,” “Dans mon rêve,” “Mami Wata,” and “Zamouna.”
The 7th International Cultural Festival “Summer in Music” continues with tomorrow evening’s lineup, which features the Algerian artist Sultane Gnawa from Oran, alongside Mauritanian performer Monza Limam.
