Algerian Radio
The 4th edition of the Chaabi Song Festival aimed at the youth of the Algiers Wilaya opened on Friday evening at the Aissa-Messaoudi Cultural Center in Hussein Dey, in the presence of the Minister of Youth, in charge of the High Council for Youth, Mustapha Hidaoui.
Running until March 12, this festival aims to preserve and transmit the heritage of this genre of popular music through the discovery of new voices and young talents.
Recalling the importance of Chaabi song in preserving this part of the Algerian musical heritage, Mr. Hidaoui evoked the great figures of this popular genre who, he said, "ensured, in the past, its sustainability and its transmission to generations."
"Through this festival, as well as other cultural events dedicated to youth, we are working toward the creation of a new scene, the beginnings of which are already visible given the quality performances delivered by all these young talents," he stated with satisfaction.
On this occasion, a film was screened highlighting the cultural activities of the Directorate of Youth and Sports of the Algiers Wilaya during the month of Ramadan, along with another film covering previous editions of this festival.
Subsequently, the audience enjoyed performances by Merouene Zeghraoui, Ali Ramtane, Soumiya Nabti, and H'cissen Saadi, who successively covered songs from the Chaabi heritage that have left an indelible mark on the repertoire of this popular genre.
"This fourth edition has registered more than 80 participants, including independent young singers, associations, and Chaabi troupes who will be called upon to undergo selection trials in various public spaces, stages, and performance halls," explained the Director of Youth and Sports of the Algiers Wilaya, Amine Saad.
A jury of Chaabi song professionals will select 24 performers who will participate in the final rounds of this festival dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and transmission of this music genre, he added.
