The 11th Carthage Music Festival (JMC) is set to take place in Tunis from October 3 to 10, 2026, with a renewed ambition to establish itself as a leading cultural event. The festival will feature 34 shows across eight stages in the capital city, including the Opera House at the Cité de la Culture de Tunis. Artists from 15 countries, including Africa, the Arab world, Europe, and the Americas, will perform at the event. The festival aims to bring together music lovers and industry professionals for a week of diverse musical performances.

The festival's program includes a variety of musical acts, with the opening night featuring an original creation that explores the intimate relationship between humans and music. The closing night will showcase the enchanting performances of Syrian singer Faia Younan. The event promises to be an exciting celebration of music, with something for everyone. The festival's organizers have put together a diverse lineup of artists, ensuring that there is a wide range of musical styles and genres on offer.

This year's edition of the festival is notable for its social and territorial engagement. The "JMC dans les prisons" program, which translates to "JMC in prisons," aims to bring music to inmates in several prisons. The program, which is part of the festival's outreach efforts, will feature performances by renowned artists such as Dendri, Jadhb, Mohamed Said, and Mohamed Ali Chebil. The initiative seeks to promote the therapeutic benefits of music and provide a unique experience for inmates.

In addition to the prison program, the festival will also extend its reach to several regions outside of Tunis through the "JMC dans les régions" initiative. This program will bring a selection of shows to various governorates, ensuring that the festival's magic is not limited to the capital city. The move aims to promote cultural exchange and provide opportunities for people from different regions to experience live music.

The festival will also host six professional meetings from October 5 to 10, which will bring together industry experts to discuss the major challenges and future of the music industry. The meetings will provide a platform for professionals to share their insights and expertise, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration. The discussions will focus on key issues affecting the music industry, including production, distribution, and marketing.

The Carthage Music Festival has a long history of promoting cultural exchange and celebrating music from around the world. The event has become a staple of Tunisia's cultural calendar, attracting music lovers from across the globe. This year's edition promises to be an exciting celebration of music, with a diverse lineup of artists and a range of outreach programs.

As the festival gets underway, music lovers are eagerly anticipating the performances. With its renewed ambition and diverse program, the 11th Carthage Music Festival is set to be a memorable event. The festival's commitment to social and territorial engagement is also noteworthy, demonstrating its dedication to promoting cultural exchange and providing opportunities for people from different backgrounds to experience live music.

Key points

  • The 11th Carthage Music Festival features 34 shows with artists from 15 countries, aiming to solidify its status as a major cultural event.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.