Soulful Arab, French songs mark opening of Francophonie Festival
French Egyptian opera singer Farrah El-Dibany opened the Francophonie Festival on Sunday here with soulful tributes to Arab legends including Fayrouz, Dalida and Farid Al-Atrash.
Dressed in white and gold attire, reminiscent of the clothing of the ancient Egyptians, El-Dibany, accompanied by Mina Barsoum on piano, Ahmed Boustaji on oud, and Aymen Attitallah on percussion, took the audience on a musical journey transcending borders and cultures.
El-Dibany’s repertoire included iconic French tunes such as “Je suis malade” and Arabic classics.
El-Dibany said: “I am so thankful for being here in Jeddah for the first time,” encapsulating the spirit of cultural exchange and collaboration that defines the Francophonie Festival.
Prior to the performance, the French consul-general in Jeddah,
Mohammed Nehad, spoke about the festival’s significance. He said the aim was to promote French and foster education, cultural and business ties with Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world.
“Through this festival, we aim to bring people together … francophone itself is a great example for cultural exchange,” he told Arab News. The launch event was attended by diplomats, French expatriates, and cultural enthusiasts, as well as Saudi Arabian officials and citizens. Among those in attendance was Larry Lamartiniere, the director of Alliance Francaise in Jeddah, who lauded El-Dibany’s
performance as a fitting inauguration of the month-long Mois de la Francophonie 2024 in Saudi Arabia.
He told Arab News: “During March, the French Embassy and Alliance Francaise Saudi Arabia alongside other French-speaking countries and partners will organize events celebrating the rich diversity of francophone cultures.”
Established in 1970, the month promotes cultural ties and human development across Frenchspeaking nations worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, the festival acts as a platform for cultural exchange and education.
Several upcoming events include Benjamin Piat performing at NougCafe on Feb. 28, and the French University Graduates’ Night on March 27.
The Alliance Francaise will host a children’s workshop on Feb. 29, featuring culinary and visual arts programs. This will take place alongside a screening of the 2022 French film “Divertimento” that is the story of twin teenage sisters who dream of forming their own orchestra and making classical music available to everyone. Senegal’s consulate will have discussions and cultural exchanges, the Francophonie Village will have a celebration of food, clothing and folk dance; and there will also be films shown at various schools, consulates and French clubs.