Lebanese artist Carole Samaha expressed her deep pride and immense honor in representing Lebanese music at "Laylat al-Arz" (Night of the Cedars), held as part of Riyadh Season. She described her participation as a source of great joy and responsibility. On this exceptional evening celebrating Lebanese music and culture, Samaha felt that, alongside her fellow artists, she was an ambassador for Lebanon's rich artistic heritage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has become a beacon of art and culture in the region.
Background of the event: “Rice Night” in the heart of Riyadh Season
“Rice Night” is part of a series of massive events organized by Riyadh Season, one of the most prominent entertainment and cultural initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030. The season aims to transform Riyadh into a global tourist and entertainment destination, attracting leading stars and artists from around the world. This night holds special significance as it honors Lebanese art, which has long been an integral part of the Arab cultural landscape. The choice of the “cedar,” Lebanon’s national symbol, as the event’s theme carries profound implications for the strong fraternal and cultural ties that bind the Saudi and Lebanese peoples.
The importance of participation and its regional impact
The participation of artists of Carole Samaha's stature in such events transcends the mere act of performing; it becomes an event of significant regional importance. It reflects the cultural openness that the Kingdom is witnessing and underscores its role as a hub for Arab arts in all their diversity. Furthermore, it provides a global platform for Lebanese artists to showcase their creativity to a wide and varied audience, thus contributing to strengthening the Lebanese artistic presence on the Arab and international stage. In her remarks following the concert, Samaha affirmed that she considers herself fortunate to have been chosen, emphasizing that all Lebanese artists deserve this recognition for their established artistic standing and widespread popularity.
The Mawwal: A gift of love and a message of appreciation
In a touching artistic gesture, Carole Samaha chose to perform a traditional Lebanese mawwal during the concert. She explained that this choice, which differs from her usual pop-leaning style, was intentional, serving as "a gift of love from the Lebanese people to the Saudi people." The mawwal is one of the oldest forms of traditional Arabic singing, requiring specific vocal abilities, and her selection of it was a message of appreciation for the refined artistic taste of the Saudi audience and an affirmation of the depth of their shared musical heritage. Samaha also praised the Abu Bakr Salem Theater, which hosted the concert, describing it as a world-class artistic venue that demands considerable expertise to master its vast stage, making the experience all the more unique and challenging.
In closing, Samaha expressed her gratitude to Benchmark for the professional organization and to His Excellency Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, for his deep interest in Arab culture and music, stressing that this generous invitation to participate in Riyadh Season had a great impact on her heart.
