Lebanese Stars Shine at Riyadh Season’s “Night of Cedars” Concert

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, recently played host to a vibrant celebration of Lebanese artistry with “Laylat Al-Arz” – “Night of the Cedar” – a musical evening dedicated to Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage. The event, a highlight of the ongoing Riyadh Season, brought together three of Lebanon’s most beloved singers: Assi El Hallani, Carole Samaha, and Ragheb Alama, captivating a large and enthusiastic audience.

More than just a concert, “Laylat Al-Arz” served as a powerful tribute to Lebanon and its enduring musical legacy. The evening underscored the deep connection between Lebanese artists and their fans across the Arab world, and the continued cultural exchange fostered by events like Riyadh Season. The choice of featuring exclusively Lebanese talent speaks to Saudi Arabia’s evolving cultural landscape and its increasing openness to regional artistic expression.

Assi El Hallani, often referred to as the “Arab Singing Knight,” opened the show with a selection of his most iconic patriotic and romantic songs. Performing hits like “Lebnani,” “Bahibbak w Baghar” (I love you and I’m jealous), “Mali Sabr” (I have no patience), and “Sa’alouni” (They asked me), El Hallani commanded the stage with his powerful vocals and charismatic presence. A particularly poignant moment came when he dedicated a special song to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a gesture that resonated deeply with the audience and quickly spread across social media platforms. This dedication wasn’t merely a performance; it was a symbolic gesture of respect and appreciation, highlighting the strengthening ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

Carole Samaha followed, captivating the audience with her sophisticated stage presence and polished performance. She delivered a string of her popular songs, including “Ya Rab” (Oh Lord), “Etalla’ Fi” (Look at me), and “Adwa’ Al-Shuhra” (Lights of Fame). However, it was her medley of classic Lebanese songs that truly struck a chord. Samaha’s arrangement breathed new life into timeless melodies, evoking a sense of nostalgia and national pride. This wasn’t simply a performance of songs; it was a curated journey through Lebanon’s musical history, connecting generations through shared cultural touchstones. The inclusion of these older songs demonstrated a conscious effort to honor the roots of Lebanese music and acknowledge the artists who paved the way for the current generation.

Ragheb Alama, a mainstay of Arab pop music for decades, closed the evening with a high-energy set. He began with a song he composed himself, dedicated to both Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, a symbolic gesture emphasizing the strong relationship between the two nations. He then launched into a series of his biggest hits, including “Yareet” (I wish), “Nassini El Donya” (You made me forget the world), and “Elli Ba’ana” (Those who sold us out), prompting the audience to sing along and applaud enthusiastically. Alama’s performance was a masterclass in showmanship, demonstrating his enduring appeal and ability to connect with audiences of all ages.

“Laylat Al-Arz” wasn’t just another concert on the Riyadh Season calendar; it was a significant cultural moment. It underscored the enduring influence of Lebanese music throughout the Arab world and served as a reminder of the power of art to transcend borders and foster unity. The event’s success highlights a growing trend of cross-cultural collaborations and artistic exchanges within the region, driven in part by initiatives like Riyadh Season. This isn’t simply about entertainment; it’s about building bridges and fostering a sense of shared identity.

The choice to dedicate an entire evening to Lebanese artists is particularly noteworthy given the challenges Lebanon has faced in recent years, including economic hardship and political instability. The concert provided a much-needed moment of national pride and a platform for Lebanese artists to showcase their talent on a regional stage. It also served as a subtle but powerful message of solidarity and support for the Lebanese people.

The Riyadh Season, launched in October 2019, has quickly become one of the most ambitious and high-profile entertainment events in the Middle East. It aims to transform Riyadh into a global entertainment hub, attracting both international and regional talent. The inclusion of “Laylat Al-Arz” demonstrates the season’s commitment to showcasing the diversity of Arab culture and providing a platform for regional artists to reach new audiences. The event’s success is likely to pave the way for more similar initiatives in the future, further solidifying Riyadh’s position as a leading cultural destination.

Beyond the individual performances, “Laylat Al-Arz” represented a broader celebration of Lebanese identity and cultural resilience. The event served as a reminder of the country’s rich artistic heritage and its enduring contribution to the Arab world. It was a night of music, emotion, and national pride, leaving a lasting impression on both the performers and the audience. The echoes of the cedar – Lebanon’s national emblem – resonated throughout the arena, a symbol of strength, beauty, and enduring spirit.

The impact of events like “Laylat Al-Arz” extends beyond the immediate entertainment value. They contribute to a broader cultural dialogue, fostering understanding and appreciation between different communities. In a region often marked by political and social divisions, these artistic exchanges offer a powerful reminder of the shared values and common humanity that unite the Arab world. The success of the evening suggests a continued appetite for such cultural events, and a growing recognition of the importance of art as a tool for diplomacy and understanding.