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Jerash Festival Media Committee – In a highly anticipated evening at the Southern Theatre, Lebanese stars Joseph Atiyeh and Melhem Zein thrilled festivalgoers on Wednesday, 30 July, as part of Jerash Festival 2025, delivering a vibrant celebration of Lebanese music.

Joseph Atiyeh: Emotive hits and debke rhythms

Opening the night, Joseph Atiyeh greeted the audience and paid tribute to the late Ziad Rahbani with a moving performance of Fairuz’s iconic Kifak Inta, which drew loud applause. He continued with Inshallah, delivering lines of comfort and hope to a captivated crowd.

Atiyeh’s performance included several of his best-known hits: Habayt Oyounak, La Trouhi, and Ghalatet Bihakkik Samehini, a heartfelt apology set to music. The audience responded with cheers and phone flashlights, especially during Tal’et Bhayatak ‘Adi and the romantic Bahebbak Ba’d Gheymet Shety.

As the beat of the tabla and the sound of the mizmar rang out, the Southern Theatre transformed into a dabke arena during Ya Kell El Deni. He also performed the traditional ‘Al ‘Ayn Mawlayteen, Aali El-Koufiya (originally by Mohammad Assaf), and Ya Saad by Omar Al-Abdallat.

Atiyeh closed with a patriotic song for Lebanon and Fairuz’s Nassam ‘Alayna El-Hawa. Festival director Ayman Samawi honoured Atiyeh on stage, capping off a memorable performance.

Melhem Zein: A voice of joy and longing

Melhem Zein, affectionately dubbed ‘Reis of Arabic Song,’ brought his trademark warmth and vocal power to the stage, starting with the lullaby Nami Ya Hayati. He expressed joy at returning to Jerash and immediately connected with the audience.

He followed with fan favourites like Gheebi Ya Shams Gheebi — 'Go away, sun, and maybe my love will return' — and Zalli Edhaki, Oyounik Ma Khle’et Lel Beki (‘Keep smiling, your eyes weren’t made for tears’), a line that resonated deeply with the crowd.

Zein also performed Ya Omri ‘A Firaqik Ana, Albi Daq, and mawwals like Kint Qader Atir and Zakkartak W El-Samah Meghaymeh. He closed with the classic ‘Andak Bahriyye, sealing his performance with the same spirit of joy that has made him a Jerash favourite.

Together, Atiyeh and Zein delivered a night of Lebanese music that fused nostalgia, celebration, and national pride — a standout in the 2025 Jerash Festival programme.