One of the highlights of this year’s performances at the ‘Jerash Music Festival’ in Jordan was by Najwa Karam in the South Theater in the ancient city of Jerash. The theater was filled with fans from across the Arab world cheering for Karam, according to the London daily Elaph.
Singers Hani Shaker, Latifa and Assi Hilani gave seemingly unsuccessful performances this year at ‘Jerash,’ all placing the blame squarely on festival management and its lack of advertising, high ticket prices, and poorly constructed sets. Fans were admitted for free to fill the empty seats.
Karam’s successful performance came as a surprise and just may send the other singers in search of alternate excuses. Karam glowed in ‘Jerash,’ passing a tough test with flying colors.
Karam is the only one who entered with her fans and closed the doors behind her. She came on stage singing “Bahibak Ya Libnan” (I Love Lebanon).
Karam was concerned about the concert and asked manager Tareq Abu Jodeh to monitor ticket sales, but when she took one look at the filled theater she felt relaxed and enthusiastic, said the singer.
Karam performed her old and new songs for two hours as the crowd cheered and sang along with her. The concert continued until after midnight as Karam’s younger fans stayed, singing along to her songs from over fifteen years ago. I was honored by their dedication, said Karam of her younger fans.
The success of Karam’s performance pales in comparison to her performance at ‘Jerash’ in 1996, which lasted for three days. Fans camped out inside the theatre overnight to purchase tickets.
Karam said that she feels “grateful and blessed to have such loyal fans.”
