On May 16, the Meydene Theater in Marrakech will host a concert paying tribute to Oum Kalthoum, marking fifty years since the passing of the legendary figure known as the Lady of Arabic Song. Titled Kalthoumiate, the event seeks not only to honor her enduring influence, but also to reignite the powerful emotional experience of tarab—the deep, often ecstatic response to music that she so famously evoked.
Far from being a conventional tribute, Kalthoumiate is positioned as a dynamic conversation between legacy and renewal. At its heart is Egyptian soprano Marwa Naji, a finalist on The Voice and a cultural ambassador for her country, whose voice brings a contemporary grace to the timeless classics of Oum Kalthoum. She will be backed by a full orchestra under the baton of Hicham Telmoudi, a conductor known for his meticulous interpretation and deep reverence for traditional repertoire.
The concert is expected to draw a diverse audience: devoted fans of classical Arabic music, those nostalgic for Oum Kalthoum’s voice, and newcomers eager to discover one of the richest traditions in Arab musical heritage. In staging this performance, the Meydene Theater continues to assert itself as a hub for living cultural transmission, staying true to the mission of Meydene Productions, which continues to develop projects that honor iconic voices of Arabic music.
