Tunis:The opening night of the 11th edition of the Journ©es Musicales de Carthage (JMC) took place at the Cit© de la culture in Tunis, focusing on the theme of music's power to transform lives. The event emphasized inclusion and the human impact of music.
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the ceremony was attended by the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Amina Srarfi, along with several ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, artists, and musicians. Minister Srarfi declared that "music is a right for all" and praised the organizers for expanding international participation, allowing the Tunisian public to experience a wide range of musical styles from different countries.
The event's commitment to inclusivity was evident through sign language interpretation, Braille invitations for the visually impaired, and audiodescription devices for blind attendees. The festival aims to be more than just a cultural event, providing a platform for artists and professionals worldwide to collaborate and for young creators to showcase and develop their careers.
The opening night featured performances highlighting Tunisian musical heritage, with popular rhythms and visual displays of the nation's architectural and cultural elements. Traditional and contemporary dance sequences showcased the richness of Tunisia's intangible heritage.
A new program, "JMC dans les r©gions," was announced by JMC director Mondher Falah, which will support emerging artistic projects, offering them opportunities to tour various Tunisian regions, strengthening partnerships with regional delegations and the private sector.
A touching moment of the evening was the testimony of artist Ahmed Letaem, who shared how music served as a therapeutic tool for his father, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. His story highlighted the emotional connection and therapeutic potential of music.
The event also paid tribute to late Tunisian musicians Yasser Jeradi and Mohamed Gharfi. Performances included an instrumental rendition of Jeradi's "Dima Dima" and a film about Gharfi's contributions to Arabic music.
The audience was introduced to the "JMC Jazz Camp," focusing on music education, and the overall concert programming for this edition. The evening concluded with a performance by the group "Dendri," specializing in stambeli music, marking the official start of the festival's artistic programs.
The JMC will continue until October 10, featuring concerts, professional meetings, and training activities, bringing together artistic experiences from 15 countries, including Tunisia.