Les Ensembles algérois de Hammamet 2 et de Kouba lauréats du 5e Festival du chant religieux des jeunes
Summary of the 5th Festival of Religious Song for Youths Held in Algiers
The 5th Festival of Religious Song for Youths, dedicated to showcasing Algerian ensembles, took place at the Saoura Pavilion of the Algerian Society of Fairs and Exports (Safex) recently. This year’s festival, which ran from March 11 to its concluding night, featured a competitive atmosphere and culminated in the recognition of several talented youth choirs.
Two ensembles from the northern suburbs of Algiers excelled in this event: the Ensemble "Anadile" from the Maison de Jeunes "El Hadj M’Hamed-El-Anka" in Hammamet 2 claimed the first place in the category for those over 16 with their rendition of the religious song "Ramadhan," conducted by Mourad Zamoum. The second and third places in the same category were awarded to the choirs from the Centre Culturel "Aissa-Messaoudi" of Hussein Dey, led by Soulef Allali, and "Er’Rawaïe" from the Maison de Jeunes de Bentelha, directed by Mohamed El Amine Tahtah.
In the under-16 category, the top honor went to the Ensemble "Er’Ranim" from the Maison de Jeunes in Kouba, led by choir master Wiam Benamar, who also received a special award labeled the "Trophy of Challenge." Rounding out the top positions were the cadet choir from Centre Culturel "Aissa-Messaoudi" and the Ensemble des Scouts Musulmans "El Ihcène" from Rouiba, both of which showcased exceptional talent.
The festival’s slogan, "In the solemn atmospheres of the holy month of Ramadan, Algeria sings spirituality," highlights the event’s purpose of celebrating religious devotion through music. The festival’s finale was particularly significant as it coincided with the Night of Destiny, a highly revered occasion in the Islamic calendar.
Notable attendees included local officials, the Minister of Youth Mustapha Hidaoui, and the Wali of Algiers, Mohamed Abdenour Rabhi. The event was enhanced by performances from two professional ensembles: "El Bahdja" from Algiers, directed by Smail Hadj Kouider, and "Sadae El Assala" from Tiaret, led by Billel Trari, who performed between the competing acts.
Overall, the 5th Festival of Religious Song for Youths not only honored the art form but also fostered a sense of community, spirituality, and collaboration among the participating choirs and attendees. It served as a platform for young talent, affirming the vital role that music plays in expressing cultural and religious identity in Algeria. The festival successfully underscored the importance of arts in youth development and community engagement, making it a memorable occasion for all involved.
