Listening to The Echo of Grenada

Echoing Arab-Andalusian traditional songs in Montreal

Fringe ArtsAgena-Loire Kwizera — Published November 11, 2026 0 minutes

On Nov. 9, the Festival du Monde Arabe de Montréal presented The Echo of Grenada. The performance showcases Malouf, a Tunisian musical style, celebrating its enduring heritage.

The festival’s mission is to create a space where different horizons of Arabic and Western cultures can meet. The festival’s 27th edition promotes a variety of artistic mediums such as cinema, music and theatre.

Founded just a year ago, Montreal-based ensemble Dar El Malouf expressed its history through the art of music and singing. 

Under the guidance of the musical master Mohamed Bou Ali, the group performed their first event, in collaboration with Association Mishket, a non-profit organization for women’s success. 

The Tunisian community was invited on Facebook to come in support in large numbers; Tunisia's ambassador to Canada, Lassaad Boutara, was also present.

Attendee Habiba Hmaid has always cherished her Tunisian culture and sees the value in welcoming others to partake.

“I love that people come to share and discover other cultures; it’s important,” Hmaid said. 

Malouf is an ancient musical style born from the fusion of different influences. Created in Granada and Seville, this Andalusian music reached Tunisia around the 12th century. 

Malouf highlights poetry, ancestry, rebirth and celebration. Violin, percussion, piano and lute formed the musical component of the show, accompanied by a nine-member choir.

“It brings me back to my childhood, but at the same time it’s also something that brings us together. It's really nice to see other Tunisians here, and to see that we are not alone,” attendee Zeineb Raïs shared. 

The atmosphere was lively, with people singing and clapping wholeheartedly to the melodies of Tunisian culture. 

Malouf’s musical style uses the call-and-response technique, which engages directly with the public. Rhythm and sincerity filled the space. 

For Dar El Malouf member Wessim Kefi, the music is inseparable from the memories and traditions that have shaped his life.

“This music is our heritage; it’s the music we listen to,” Kefi said. “During all the beautiful moments that we experience, we grew up in it, [...] it’s in our blood.” 

But the performance was not only an opportunity to celebrate Tunisian heritage. It also offered a chance to share those traditions with a wider audience.

Karama Elmanaa, another member of the group, highlights that traditional music is a beautiful discovery.

“There are even other nationalities that came tonight sharing the joy of our culture,” Elmanaa said.

The festival runs until Nov. 15.