The Journées Musicales de Carthage festival is set to return to Tunis for its 11th edition, running from October 3-10, 2026. This year's event promises to be an exciting one, with 26 shows and 8 major concerts lined up, featuring artists and professionals from 15 countries. The festival's artistic director, Mondher Falleh, aims to make this event a truly Mediterranean musical gathering.

The festival will take place primarily at the Cité de la Culture Chedli Klibi, with events held at the Opéra, Théâtre des Régions, and Théâtre des Jeunes Créateurs. The program includes 26 showcases, with 60% of the participating artists being Tunisians selected from hundreds of applications. The festival also features six professional meetings and workshops, providing a platform for emerging musicians and groups to present their projects to producers, programmers, and industry professionals.

This year's edition focuses on new talent, offering a chance for emerging musicians and groups to showcase their work. The festival's lineup includes a diverse range of artists, such as Moroccan singer Oum, Syrian singer Faia Younan, who will close the festival, Spanish singer Cecilia Krull, and the Jordanian group Jadal, among others. The festival also features a mix of local and international collaborations, including the Tunisian project Vipa-Obos and the Franco-Algerian group Les Dames du Raï.

In addition to the main concerts, the festival will also feature events in non-traditional venues, including prisons and a rehabilitation center, as part of a project highlighting music as a space for freedom. Three free events will also be held on Habib Bourguiba Avenue. The festival's organizers have also announced the launch of the "JMC Jazz Camp," a partnership with the Marseille Jazz Collective, which will offer workshops and training sessions from October 5-9.

The "JMC Jazz Camp" will bring together Tunisian and French musicians for workshops, improvisation sessions, and group work. This initiative aims to promote musical exchange and collaboration between artists from different backgrounds. The festival's program also includes a range of activities, from concerts to professional meetings and workshops, designed to foster creativity and innovation in the music industry.

Online ticket sales for the festival are now open, and box office sales will begin on October 3 at the Cité de la Culture. The festival's organizers expect a large turnout, with many attendees eager to experience the rich musical diversity on offer. With its focus on emerging talent, industry professionals, and musical collaboration, this year's Journées Musicales de Carthage promises to be an unforgettable event.

The festival's 11th edition is expected to leave a lasting impact on the music industry, with many attendees and participants looking forward to future editions. As the event approaches, music enthusiasts and industry professionals alike are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience the best of Mediterranean music. With its unique blend of local and international talent, the Journées Musicales de Carthage is set to remain a highlight of the region's cultural calendar.

Key points

  • The festival features 26 shows and 8 major concerts with artists from 15 countries.
  • The event focuses on new talent and offers a platform for emerging musicians to present their projects to industry professionals.
  • The festival expands to non-traditional venues, including prisons and a rehabilitation center.

Share this story

Written by

SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.