Kalthoumiate: A Timeless Tribute to the Star of the East in the Heart of Marrakech

Marrakech, the eternal city of light and rhythm, is preparing to open its arms to an exceptional musical moment. On May 16, 2025, the Théâtre Meydene will host Kalthoumiate, a once-in-a-lifetime concert dedicated to the memory of Oum Kalthoum—half a century after her passing. More than a tribute, this is a celebration of cultural memory, a musical resurrection, and a soulful immersion into the heart of Arab heritage.

The Legacy of an Icon

Fifty years after her death, Oum Kalthoum, affectionately known as the “Star of the East,” remains an enduring symbol of Arab music and identity. Her voice, deep with emotion and flawless in technique, shaped a generation and continues to transcend language, geography, and time. Revered as the “Lady of Arabic Song,” her work blends poetry, drama, and virtuosity—evoking a rare phenomenon known in Arabic music as tarab, a state of musical ecstasy.

A Night of Reverence and Revival

Kalthoumiate is more than a concert; it is an invitation to reconnect with a past that still pulses in the present. The event is helmed by the acclaimed conductor Hicham Telmoudi, whose sensitive direction promises to echo the essence of Oum Kalthoum’s original performances. The evening’s lead voice, Marwa Naji—an internationally acclaimed Egyptian opera singer and finalist of The Voice—brings a fresh yet faithful interpretation of the diva’s masterworks. With her commanding presence and cultural ambassadorship, Naji promises to revive the very soul of the iconic singer’s repertoire.

Bridging Generations Through Music

What makes Kalthoumiate unique is its vision: to offer not just nostalgia but continuity. It connects generations—those who grew up under the spell of Oum Kalthoum and younger audiences discovering her magic anew. Set against the luxurious backdrop of the Théâtre Meydene on Marrakech’s M Avenue, this performance promises a sensory and emotional voyage, restoring the grandeur of an art form often lost in today’s musical trends.

Meydene Productions: Curators of Memory

Behind the concert is Meydene Productions, a Marrakech-based cultural institution with a mission to revive and spotlight the golden voices of Arabic music. With more than 39 productions and over 14,758 attendees to date, Meydene is establishing itself as a cultural hub extending beyond Marrakech to cities like Casablanca and Rabat. From tributes to Warda and Fayrouz to the immortal songs of Abdel Halim Hafez and Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Meydene is shaping a dynamic archive of Arab musical excellence.

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An Evening to Remember

For one night, Marrakech becomes the stage where the past and present harmonize. Let the unforgettable voice of Oum Kalthoum echo once more, not from vinyl or memory, but through a living performance that transcends time.

Reserve your seat. Listen deeply. Feel eternally.

Kalthoumiate — Oum Kalthoum Tribute Concert
Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
Venue: Théâtre Meydene, M Avenue, Marrakech
Tickets: Available at Guichet.ma and Meydene.com