Fatma Zohra Slimani et Abdelbasset Boudouaou, lauréats du 6e Festival des jeunes talents en arts lyriques
Summary of the 6th National Festival of Young Talent in Lyric Arts
On Tuesday, Fatma Zohra Slimani from Adrar and Abdelbasset Boudouaou from Bordj Bou Arreridj were awarded the top prizes at the 6th National Festival of Young Talent in Lyric Arts, held in Algiers. The event took place under the theme "Youth Structures as Talent Incubators," celebrating the 63rd anniversary of Algeria’s Independence and Youth Day.
The festival was hosted at the Casif Open-Air Theater in Sidi Fredj, attracting a full house of spectators from various regions of Algeria. Twelve finalists, selected from a larger pool of candidates, showcased their vocal talents, demonstrating high artistic standards. The jury, led by president Lyès Benbakir, praised the performers, including six female singers, during the final night.
Fatma Zohra Slimani and Abdelbasset Boudouaou clinched the first prizes, while the second places went to Aya Kelaï from Algiers and Omar Benbiya from In Salah. The third positions were awarded to Céline Dhalin Akloul from Algiers and Kheïri Akichi from Oued Souf. The Jury’s Prize was shared by Naîma Houria Mirati from Relizane and Ishak Abdelbasset from Tissemsilt.
The performers were assessed based on their vocal technique, stage presence, and interpretation of traditional Algerian and Eastern songs. Notable performances included Slimani’s rendition of "Taranam ya chadjiy ettir" and Boudouaou’s "Bkit aâlik ya z’man." Additionally, Kelaï and Benbiya were evaluated on songs from the iconic Warda El Djazairia, while the Jury Prize winners performed pieces also steeped in Algerian musical heritage.
M. Mustapha Hidaoui, the Minister of Youth, presented awards and trophies to the winners, who received cash prizes of 100,000 DA for first place, 70,000 DA for second, 50,000 DA for third, and 50,000 DA for the Jury’s Prize. The event marked a significant gathering of approximately 120 young participants from Algeria’s 58 wilayas.
Leading up to the festival, participants took part in workshops at the International Scout Camp of Sidi Fredj, where they were trained by specialized educators. Organized by the Youth, Sports, and Leisure Directorate of Algiers, in partnership with local talent promotion leagues, this festival underscores the ongoing efforts to identify, nurture, and showcase the next generation of Algerian artists while emphasizing musical quality and diversity.
In conclusion, the festival not only highlights the vocal talent of young artists but also emphasizes the importance of cultural reinforcement and the promotion of traditional Algerian music. Through such initiatives, the aim is to foster a rich artistic environment for youth across the nation.
