When Constantine Sang in London: Algeria’s Dounia Host an Evening Celebrating the Malouf Heritage
As soon as the first notes of Malouf resonated, Algerian ululations echoed through the historic Tabernacle theatre, transforming the heart of London—if only for a few hours—into a space that evoked the spirit of Constantine and its ancient Andalusian heritage.
In an exceptional evening celebrating one of the most venerable genres of Algerian musical heritage, Algerian artist Dounia, nicknamed the “Sultana of Malouf,” performed a remarkable concert alongside her full orchestra travelling directly from the city of Constantine. The event brought together a diverse audience of Algerian music and Andalusian culture enthusiasts to celebrate an art form passed down through centuries.
The evening was organized by The Voice of Algerian Women Foundation UK, headed by Mrs. Meriem Mohsene Benchaoui, and sponsored by Air Algérie, as part of their efforts to promote Algerian culture and enhance its presence in the United Kingdom.
The Heritage of Malouf and the Stature of Constantine
Malouf is considered one of the three schools of classical Andalusian music in Algeria, alongside San’a in Algiers and Gharnati in Tlemcen. The city of Constantine is widely recognized as the capital of Malouf, having preserved this art form across successive generations until it became one of the most prominent symbols of Algerian cultural identity.
Algerian artist Dounia travelled specifically from Constantine, accompanied by her full orchestra, to present an evening imbued with the spirit of the city and its ancient history, marking her first appearance with this musical ensemble in London.
Dounia is regarded as one of the most prominent female voices in Malouf, having successfully cemented her position in an art form that remained male-dominated for decades. She has maintained its authenticity while introducing it to new generations both inside and outside Algeria. She has also participated in numerous international festivals and garnered widespread acclaim for her artistic career, making her one of the foremost names representing Algerian Malouf today.
A traditional look radiating identity
Dounia took to the stage adorned in the traditional Gandoura Constantinoise—crafted from rich velvet and embellished with intricate Fetla embroidery—and accessorized with classic Algerian jewelry, including the Mokhbel and the fragrant Skhab. Her look embodied the elegance of Constantine’s heritage before embarking on a musical journey that transported the audience straight to the heart of Algeria.
Dounia guided the audience through a musical voyage across the varied nuances of Constantinian Malouf, delivering a curated repertoire of poetic compositions and Noubas that define the soul of this ancient art form, including “Delouah Gharam,” “Jani Ma Jani,” “Adhabti Qalbi,” and “Asheq Mamhoun.” With each piece, the hall grew warmer, filled with enthusiastic applause and Algerian ululations that echoed throughout the venue, depicting the audience’s deep connection to their musical heritage.
Striking Audience Engagement
The hall was filled with a diverse audience, including members of the Algerian community, representatives from The Voice of Algerian Women Foundation UK, journalists, and media figures, alongside guests from Arab and foreign countries as well as British attendees eager to experience this ancient art form. Many women wore traditional Algerian attire, completing the portrait of an evening where musical mastery blended with nostalgia, invoking images of the homeland and its rich heritage in the heart of the British capital.
The audience’s engagement was not limited to applause throughout the concert; the attendees gave a standing ovation to Dounia and the members of the orchestra at the conclusion of the evening in appreciation of a performance that revived the spirit of Constantine and the authenticity of Malouf, amid feelings of pride in Algerian cultural identity.
The event concluded with a raffle sponsored by Air Algérie, where three lucky attendees won round-trip flights from London to Algiers, adding further joy and excitement to this cultural occasion.
Bridges of Cultural Connection in the Diaspora
Such events reflect the vital role played by cultural initiatives in preserving the identity of the Algerian diaspora. They offer a space where Algerians of all ages and backgrounds gather around their shared heritage, while providing younger generations—many of whom grew up outside Algeria—the opportunity to connect with their music, culture, and roots through a live experience that goes beyond books and narratives.
This evening forms part of a series of cultural initiatives organized by The Voice of Algerian Women Foundation UK, a British charitable organization dedicated to supporting the Algerian community and promoting Algerian culture and heritage in the United Kingdom. The foundation also focuses on empowering Algerian women and highlighting the contributions of female artists, creators, and cultural entrepreneurs. Through these efforts, the organization seeks to enhance the presence of Algerian culture in the UK and build bridges of communication across diverse segments of society.
More Photos:
Read More:
ShortURL ⬇
