Sami Yusuf enchants Carthage with 'Ecstasy,' fostering spiritual and cultural dialogue

British singer and composer Sami Yusuf captivated a full house at the ancient Theatre of Carthage on Saturday evening, marking his return to Tunisia after a 14-year absence. His performance, a highlight of the 60th Carthage International Festival, showcased his latest album, "Ecstasy," in an event dedicated to spirituality and intercultural dialogue.

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Tunisia is a country for which I have a deep affection, a land where Africa, Arabia, and the Mediterranean meet and have always met, not in a clash, but in a conversation.

Yusuf transformed the Roman amphitheater into a meditative space, weaving together global musical traditions. He opened the evening with an a cappella piece titled "Veritas," immediately setting a reflective tone. Addressing the audience, Yusuf conveyed his deep affection for Tunisia, describing it as a land where "Africa, Arabia, and the Mediterranean meet and have always met, not in a clash, but in a conversation." He emphasized that this harmony is as deeply ingrained in Tunisia's soil as its ancient ruins.

The artist also paid homage to the festival's 60-year history, expressing his emotion at performing within the historic venue. "This is the first time I have performed in the heart of the ancient Theatre of Carthage, and standing here, I feel the full weight of this privilege," he shared, noting the festival's legacy of hosting prominent figures in Arabic music, jazz, rock, and French chanson.

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This is the first time I have performed in the heart of the ancient Theatre of Carthage, and standing here, I feel the full weight of this privilege.

Accompanied by his ensemble, the Fons Sophiae Collective, Yusuf featured a diverse group of international musicians, embodying his philosophy of cultural exchange. He introduced virtuosos such as Guo Gan on the Erhu from China, Israel Moro from Spain, and Nabyla Maan and Moulay Ismail Boujiya from Morocco, alongside Álvaro from Azerbaijan and his French and Turkish musicians. Yusuf described the collective as a "conversation between traditions, where every voice is heard, every language respected, and where every note carries the memory of centuries."

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A conversation between traditions, where every voice is heard, every language respected, and where every note carries the memory of centuries.