Wehbe describes this musical as “an artistic show that will take us back to the time of beautiful goddesses who breathed love, land and humanity into their throats and created.” She says of these goddesses’ work, “There is a harmonious tone that lingers in their most important and famous songs, which marked that era and made the audience remember it in their hearts.”
This musical journey through the world of these singing characters will be painted in artistic scenes that reveal the atmosphere of the Belle Époque, sometimes in black and white and sometimes in the vibrant colors and moods of the era. These scenes will be brought to life in luxurious theatrical settings with special lighting, dances, and vivid scenes.
Wahbe tells us that she will perform a unique song composed by Magda Dager for the opening ceremony. The song’s lyrics include, “Meet you, vows and eternity / The melody of the Arabs of time and fear / Oh, O steadfast poet, the marginal / She swears to fry in her garden…”
The show will end with a song sung by Wehbe, based on the lyrics of the poet Germanus Germanus: “The echo says to the voice: I beg you / Sing for me forever, no one forgets you! / O summer, how sweet it is to meet you / The night will not sit quietly / The stars in the sky will never not stay up / Our worldly waiting oh summer, we wait for you / Where the trees do not sing / I am with you / I fly on the wings of strings / May the year always give me the moon / A lira of love, buy a window.”
Wahbe also points out that the show has been previously staged in Bahrain and Dubai. In Bahrain, the performance took the form of a show rather than a “concert,” she notes, adding that she tried to dress her characters through clothing and accessories, with the set design also supporting this effort. The exhibition includes several paintings of dramatic dances, including the painting “The glamour of the streets of Paris with the voice of Edith Piaf.”
The costumes will be based on the era of “The Diva,” and the show will also include some performances. The set design will address other details. The experienced singer and songwriter told us that the concert will include songs written by her, as well as songs written by women such as Ahlam Mosteghanemi, Souad Al-Sabah, Majda Dagher, and Rabaa Al-Adawiya.
There will also be poems written by men for women to celebrate them, along with new arrangements of some familiar songs. As for the participating musicians, Wehbe describes each of them as “a maestro and an orchestra on his instrument.” These include Antoine Deeb on the accordion, Jihad Asaad on the qanun, Rami Hanna on the guitar, Elie Yamouni on percussion, Matheus Laga from Belgium on the clarinet, Farid Nasr on the violin, and more. This will also feature special guest appearances by Carol Abdel Masih Haddad, Adnan Nehme, Eliana Sattouf, Danny Daoud, and the band “Zein Al-Layali Classic.”
It is noteworthy that Wahba’s work in general combines traditional and Levantine Arabian, as well as elitist and populist perspectives, with contemporary modernism. This includes freedom of research, experimentation, painting, composition, sculpture, and various other elements. There are many shades of the West: Sufi, secular, religious, and so on.
* “They were moved by the melody: from Piaf to Umm Kulthum”: Tonight at 20:30 – Dinio Square, Douma (North Lebanon)
A Musical Journey Through Time: Jahida Wehbe’s Douma Festival Performance
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music and artistry as Jahida Wehbe, renowned for her captivating voice, takes the stage at the Douma Festival. On this special occasion, Wehbe will lead a talented ensemble featuring Wahba and Maroun Yammine, performing a repertoire that spans the ages and transcends cultures.
A Symphony of Tradition and Innovation
The concert promises a captivating journey through the world of iconic female singers, each leaving an indelible mark on musical history. Wehbe and her band will breathe new life into timeless classics by:
- Umm Kulthum, the “Lady of Arabic Song”
- Asmahan, known for her soulful renditions
- Dalida, the legendary French-Egyptian singer
- Fayrouz, the beloved Lebanese icon
- Sabah, the “Queen of Arabic Comedy”
- Edith Piaf, the renowned French chansonnière (in both French and Arabic)
- Mercedes Sosa, the Argentine folk singer (in both Spanish and Arabic)
The evening will also showcase Wehbe’s own original compositions, including two Mahdatin songs, highlighting her unique musical voice.
A Tapestry of Sound and Visuals
This musical experience isn’t just regarding the music; it’s a complete artistic immersion. The performance will be enhanced by:
- Elegant theatrical sets evoking the Belle Époque, shifting seamlessly between black and white and vibrant color schemes.
- Intriguing lighting effects creating a captivating atmosphere.
- Graceful dance performances adding a visual dimension to the music.
To further enhance the storytelling, the concert will feature several dramatic paintings, including “The Glamour of the Streets of Paris with the Voice of Edith Piaf.”
A Celebration of Women in Music
Wehbe’s performance goes beyond simply paying homage to musical giants; it’s a celebration of women’s artistic power across generations. The concert will include songs composed by:
- Ahlam Mosteghanemi, renowned Algerian novelist and songwriter
- Souad Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti singer and songwriter
- Majda Dagher, Lebanese composer and singer
- Rabaa Al-Adawiya, Iraqi mystic poet
Wehbe also notes that the show will incorporate poems written by men to honor the contributions of women.
A Masterful Ensemble of Musicians
Wehbe is not alone in her musical journey. She’s accompanied by a talented ensemble of musicians:
| Instrument | Musician |
|---|---|
| Accordion | Antoine Deeb |
| Qanun | Jihad Asaad |
| Guitar | Rami Hanna |
| Percussion | Elie Yamouni |
| Clarinet | Matheus Laga (Belgium) |
| Violin | Farid Nasr |
The concert will also feature special guest appearances by:
- Carol Abdel Masih Haddad
- Adnan Nehme
- Eliana Sattouf
- Danny Daoud
- The band “Zein Al-Layali Classic”
A Fusion of Musical Traditions
Jahida Wehbe’s musical journey is marked by a unique blend of styles, seamlessly weaving together:
- Traditional Arabic and Levantine melodies
- Elitist and populist influences
- Contemporary modernism, embracing freedom of research, experiment, and artistic expression
- Western musical elements, incorporating Sufi, secular, and religious themes
A Night to Remember
Prepare to be transported through time and cultures as Jahida Wehbe and her talented ensemble bring to life the music of legendary female singers. This performance is a rare opportunity to experience a captivating blend of tradition, innovation, and artistic brilliance.
* “They were moved by the melody: from Piaf to Umm Kulthum”: Tonight at 20:30 – Dinio Square, Douma (North Lebanon)