KUWAIT: The 24th edition of the International Music Festival kicked off on Sunday evening under the patronage of the Minister of Information and Culture Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. The opening night was dedicated to honoring Kuwaiti artist Mohammad Al-Bloushi, one of the most prominent figures in the history of Kuwaiti music.
The festival was established by the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) in 1998 to preserve and celebrate both Kuwaiti and Arab musical heritage. "We, at the council, prioritize the preservation of our artistic heritage in all its forms, in collaboration with various institutions and sectors both inside and outside the council. Today, we continue our artistic journey, carrying with us a rich artistic and cultural legacy that we are proud of,” said Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of NCCAL during his opening speech.
He added that the festival aims to revive the history and legacy of the arts for future generations and to reintroduce the melodies immortalized by Kuwait’s and the Arab world’s musical stars. "Since music is a universal language, in this international music festival, we also celebrate western and foreign music,” Al-Jassar said, noting the participation of a select group of international musicians and talented artists from around the world. He emphasized that the council challenges itself every year to elevate its festivals and activities to meet the demands of the youth and keep pace with the rapid changes of the times, while preserving national heritage and artistic traditions.
"The 24th International Music Festival draws its efforts and spirit from Kuwait’s artistic energies. Tonight and the upcoming nights will be filled with Kuwaiti, Gulf, and Arab melodies, with the sound of Arab music resonating globally,” said Assistant Secretary-General for Arts at the council and festival director Musaaed Al-Zamil.
He added that the festival’s 24th edition was carefully planned with the partnership of academic and cultural institutions, including the Higher Institute of Musical Arts, the Music Department at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training , and the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center.
Dr Al-Jassar explained that the 24th edition of the festival was designed to foster cultural and artistic exchange between countries from the Gulf, Arab, and western regions, focusing on diverse musical evenings, workshops, and accompanying seminars throughout the festival. The festival also aims to honor artists who have left a lasting musical and cultural legacy.
Mohammed Al-Bloushi expressed his joy at being recognized in the presence of his colleagues and fans from both Kuwait and abroad, who had come especially to celebrate with him. During the ceremony, several other artists were honored for their contributions to music, including Youssef Al-Rashid from Kuwait, Mohammed Al-Marzouqi from Qatar, Ibrahim Habib from Bahrain, Hanaa Al-Ashmawi from Egypt, and Latifa from Tunisia. The evening featured a selection of the most notable songs and compositions by Mohammad Al-Bloushi, with performances by Kuwait’s top artists, including Faisal Al-Saad, Hamad Al-Manaa’, Musa’aed Al-Bloushi, and Fahad Al-Salem, conducted by Maestro Dr Mohammed Al-Baiijan. — KUNA