JEDDAH: A World Music Day event organized by the French Consulate in Jeddah and the French Embassy in Riyadh featured local and French artists across a variety of genres. The musical evening at the Jeddah Cultural Club included electronic, soul, deep house, pop and more on the theme of “Franco-Saudi Friendship.” First established in France in 1982 under the patronage of then-Minister of Culture Jack Lang, who now serves as president of the Arab World Institute in Paris, the Fete de la Musique is celebrated in over 100 countries.
Musicians at every level are invited to perform everywhere, from concert halls to the streets. In Jeddah, two female voices were honored — Nadeen Linjawi, otherwise known as Fulana, and Canine, the brainchild of French composer and singer Magali Cotta. Fulana, a rising Saudi singer, gave the opening performance and expressed her gratitude at being invited to represent the sound of young Saudis.
“Music has been my entire life; I don’t remember a time where I have ever been my most authentic self except here (on stage). This is the truest me,” she said. “It seems that even when we are extremely happy to celebrate something luxurious or artistic like music, it is important to remember that when we say international, it often still applies only to those who don’t have to worry about basic human needs.
What’s more important is to remember how lucky we are, be grateful for what we have, and send prayers for those who cannot celebrate Inter.
