Mohammed Al-Jassar: "Summer of Culture 18" is the first major event... following the events Kuwait has experienced

“Samari with Al-Amari”: A Blend of Past Authenticity and Present Melodies

Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, affirmed that the 18th edition of the “Cultural Summer” festival represents the first major cultural festival and the first large-scale public event organized by the Council following the exceptional events that the State of Kuwait experienced. He emphasized that culture will remain a message of hope and a bridge for communication, serving as one of the most important pillars in building human character and preserving national identity.

Al-Jassar’s remarks came during the opening ceremony held in the Drama Hall at the Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, delivered on behalf of the festival’s patron, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Media and Culture, Omar Al-Omar.

He stated that this edition is held under the slogan “We Return Stronger Through Culture,” reaffirming that culture has been and will remain a platform for consolidating national identity and enhancing the values of belonging and solidarity that distinguish Kuwaiti society under all circumstances.

He noted that Kuwait, through its leadership, government, and people, has proven that its true strength lies in its national unity and social cohesion. He pointed out that the National Council has strived in this edition to present a diverse program comprising more than 40 cultural and artistic events, including literature, theater, music, and heritage, alongside activities dedicated to children, youth, and families. These events will take place across various cultural centers, libraries, and museums throughout August, based on the conviction that true investment begins with building human capital.

Al-Jassar appreciated the efforts of partners, institutions, and government, civil society, cultural, and media entities, as well as all the National Council’s teams, for their role in ensuring the festival’s success and presenting it in a manner befitting Kuwait’s cultural stature.

In conclusion of his speech, Al-Jassar extended his highest expressions of gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah; His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah; and His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, for their wise guidance and continuous support. He expressed his aspiration that Kuwait would remain a beacon of culture and creativity, and a message of peace and love.

Following the speech, the event’s host, media personality Iman Al-Bazzaz, appeared on stage, announcing the start of the musical show “Samari with Al-Amari,” which was met with unprecedented enthusiasm from the audience in the stands.

The audience of the “Cultural Summer” festival then enjoyed a traditional musical evening that blended the authenticity of the past with the melodies of the present. The performance was brought to life by artist Salman Al-Amari, accompanied by the Al-Masah Folk Arts Troupe, whose drums beat in joy and chants rose in celebration of this vibrant Kuwaiti night, rich in the arts of sea and land. Words and melodies danced to the rhythms of Kuwaiti and Gulf heritage in a dynamic artistic tableau.

The troupe opened the show with maritime drum rhythms before presenting a selection of authentic Samari art. They began with the famous Samari piece “The Eye Weeps for the Beloved Due to Separation,” which ignited the audience’s enthusiasm from the very first moments, infusing the atmosphere with an authentic traditional character.

Al-Amari then commenced his segment with the traditional Kuwaiti vocal art form “Ya Allah, Today You Gather the Lovers,” which begins with the lines: “O God, today You gather the lovers together; whoever was alone said, ‘Long live Omar.’ Do not blame the enamored; how can he find rest in sleep while tears flow abundantly over his cheeks?”

Continuing his journey through heritage, Al-Amari performed the song “Mar Bi Wa Ihtarash,” also from the vocal art tradition, followed by “Ya Um Omar, May God Reward You with Generosity.” He then performed the traditional song: “Last night, in the darkness, a dove lamented with a trembling voice; it lamented from atop the head of the wicked, challenging its speaker.”

The evening continued with a performance of the song “Betrouh Lak Meshwar,” followed by “Sallemou Ala Al-Li Samm Halii Firaquhu,” which ignited the audience with applause and drew enthusiastic engagement, creating a scene that embodied the harmony between the artist and the attendees.

After an interlude featuring rhythmic displays and folk dances performed by the Al-Mass troupe, Al-Amari returned to sing “Ya Maniyati,” before transitioning to Adeni and Hadhrami music, presenting a selection of his most famous songs, including “Ghayyar Bayyin Fi Kalamak,” “Alam Siree,” and the hit song “Yawm Al-Ahad Fi Tariqi.”

He also sang “Ya Nasim Al-Sabah,” before taking the audience on a musical journey with the Samiri song “Al-Baraha,” followed by “Hala Bil-Li Lafani Ya Hala Bihi,” amidst strong audience interaction. The crowd experienced an exceptional night that revived the aesthetics of Kuwaiti and Gulf folk arts, marking an opening worthy of the eighteenth edition of the “Cultural Summer” festival.

The evening saw a strong turnout of music and heritage enthusiasts, filling the theater seats. The audience engaged with the various segments through singing and clapping, echoing many famous verses preserved in popular memory, a scene that reflected the status of traditional songs in the hearts of Kuwaiti and Gulf audiences.

The Al-Mass Folk Arts Troupe also contributed to creating a distinctive festive atmosphere through its choreographic performances and traditional rhythms, which complemented Al-Amari’s performance, forming a complete artistic tableau that combined singing and dance, and highlighted the diversity of the musical heritage.

Prior to the opening ceremony, the theater screen in the Drama Hall broadcast the national performance “Sur Al-Humayil,” which was artistically directed and generally supervised by Muassad Al-Zamil, with lyrics written by Dr. Khaled Al-Khalidi Al-Khatimi and music composed by Dr. Mohammed Al-Buwayjan. The performance was delivered by artists Mohammed Al-Balushi and Abdulaziz Al-Musbah, with participation from the Kuwaiti Art Troupe.