Shatha Hassoun: Politics Affects Artists… and Concerts Are Our Only Source of Income

During her participation in the 20th edition of the "Mawazine Rhythms of the World" Festival, Iraqi singer Shatha Hassoun spoke about the challenges facing artists amid political turmoil in several countries across the region. She emphasized that artists do not live in isolation from reality, but are emotionally and artistically affected by the surrounding events.

In statements made during a press conference at the festival, Shatha said:
"An artist is not disconnected from society. We see, we hurt just like everyone else, and we are affected both politically and emotionally. In the end, we’re humans just like any employee. The only difference is that our job is to bring joy to people, even when surrounded by tension and difficult circumstances."
She added:
"The concerts we perform are our true livelihood. They’re what put food on our table. Art isn’t just fame—it’s a career and a responsibility. Sometimes we bring happiness to people while we ourselves are in pain."

On another note, this year's Mawazine Festival has seen exceptional success in terms of audience turnout and artistic diversity. Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram delivered one of the most successful performances of the current edition, with a massive crowd engaging with her classic and recent hits.

Similarly, Egyptian star Mohamed Hamaki held a major concert attended by over 135,000 fans from across the Arab world. The concert was electric, with Hamaki performing a selection of his most popular songs. During the night, he received several memorable gifts from fans, including the Moroccan flag and a bouquet of flowers—a gesture reflecting the deep love and appreciation he enjoys among Moroccan audiences.
Meanwhile, Egyptian singer Sherine Abdel Wahab is preparing for her long-awaited return to the Mawazine stage, with a major concert scheduled for June 28. This marks her first appearance at the festival in over nine years. Her performance will be conducted by maestro Medhat Khamis, and it is expected to be one of the festival’s biggest highlights, given Sherine’s immense popularity in Morocco and the excitement surrounding her comeback.

The Mawazine Festival remains one of the largest artistic events in the Arab world. It serves as a cultural bridge bringing together music and artists from around the globe, reflecting Morocco’s commitment to supporting the arts and celebrating creativity, despite the challenges facing the region.