From UNC Asheville
Press release
Emel Mathlouthi, whose song became an anthem of the Arab Spring revolutionaries, will perform at UNC Asheville on March 24. But this December, she takes the world stage.
On December 11, Mathlouthi, a native of Tunisia, will perform in Oslo, Norway at the 22nd Annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert, which this year honors her countrymen, the National Dialogue Quartet. The concert takes place the day after National Dialogue Quartet receives the Nobel Peace Prize for their “decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Jasmine Revolution of 2011.” Jason Derulo will perform at the concert as well as Mathlouthi.
The concert will be streamed live on YouTube beginning at 1:30 p.m. EST, on Friday, Dec. 11.
“Obviously, as a native of Tunisia this laureate is near and dear to my heart,” said Mathlouthi, in the news release issued by the Nobel Peace Prize Concert organizers. “Thank you to the Norwegian Nobel Institute for allowing me this most prestigious opportunity of performing in honor of true heroes in my country.” She will sing her song, “Kelmti Horra” (My Word Is Free), which was adopted by the protesters of the Jasmine Revolution.
The Nobel Peace Prize Concert organizers describe Mathlouthi’s music this way: “Her gorgeous, intricate sound moves between rock, trip-hop, and electronica, with a strong Arabic and North African roots. Her music and melodies launch an urgent yet beautiful appeal for human understanding, for freedom and, above all, for the essential dignity of the human being. Following the release of her 2012 debut, she toured in over 40 countries. Her second album is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2016.”
More information and tickets for Mathlouthi’s March 24 concert in Lipinsky Auditorium are available on the Cultural Events & Special Academic Programs website.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.