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Closing of the 14th edition at the outdoor theater “Hasni Chakroun”
National Cultural Festival of song Raï
The curtain fell, in the evening of Friday, on the 14th edition of the national cultural festival of the song Raï, welcomed by the outdoor theater “Hasni Chakroun” in Oran, in a festive and artistic atmosphere, marked by a strong crowd of the public.
The closing evening was marked by remarkable musical performances offered by several known stars of the Raï as well as by young promising talents, thus reflecting the artistic diversity which characterized this edition, which took place over four days.
The evening’s program included musical performances that enchanted the public, notably with the participation of the famous artist Houari Benchenet, of the young Bilal Seghir, as well as a remarkable performance by singer Fadila, who ignited the scene with songs inspired by the classic and contemporary rai.
The festival commissioner, Houssam-Eddine Harzallah, welcomed the success of this edition both in terms of organization and artistic content, affirming that the festival has achieved its objectives by highlighting the capacities of young artists and by reviving the musical heritage of the Raï, considered one of the symbols of Algerian cultural identity.
He also underlined the importance of the institutional support from the festival on the part of the Ministry of Culture and the Arts as well as local authorities of the Wilaya of Oran, adding that “the challenge for the future will be to integrate more new energies and to offer them spaces of representation and direct contact with the public”.
The same official added that this edition aims to preserve and develop this musical cultural heritage, while offering young voices a chance to assert their talents in front of a large audience.
Placed under the slogan “From memory to scene, a sung heritage”, this edition, organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Arts and the Wali of Oran, was also punctuated by conferences on the history and evolution of the RAI, led by researchers and specialists in popular Algerian music.
Many spectators have expressed their admiration for the quality of the shows offered, believing that the festival “has revived the song Raï” and has helped strengthen its place on the national artistic scene.
Note that the National Cultural Festival of Song Raï is a major annual meeting. This edition was marked by a tribute paid to the late artist Mohamed Bousmaha, in recognition of his contribution to the song Raï and the festival.
RC