The "Baalbek International Festivals Committee" concluded its summer season with the Voodoo Cello concert, featuring French-born singer of African descent, Imany, accompanied by eight cellists on the warm-toned string instrument, at the steps of the Bacchus temple in the ancient Baalbek citadel. Among the attendees were President Tammam Salam, Minister of Tourism Walid Nassar, Baalbek-Hermel Governor Bashir Khodr, former Minister Michel Pharaon, and the French Ambassador to Lebanon Anne Grillo.
Imany, whose family roots trace back to the Comoros Islands, globally recognized by her stage name, presented selections from her songs, especially from her album released about two years ago, which achieved significant success and enhanced her artistic presence in the world of French pop music. This genre echoes the popular music that has evolved in its modern forms in the United States and London for over half a century, intertwined with soul music that has characterized the African American community, particularly appealing to the youth. However, Imany attracted pop music enthusiasts from all age groups.
The interplay of lights, lasers, colors, and the virtual "Light Wall" on stage added to the beauty of the concert, as Imany soared with her deep, melodious voice in a magical and enjoyable evening. The tones of her voice flowed like a stream from the strings, while her hair, dyed with the essence of Baalbek's night, and the golden bracelets on her hands expressed her pride in her roots that plunge into the depths of the Indian Ocean along the eastern African shores, with her voice resonating through the audience, igniting their applause.
Her fans applauded long and gave a standing ovation to the splendor of the concert, affirming their admiration for the multi-talented artist. How could they not? She is a singer, musician, and skilled performer on both the violin and cello, a poet who has written and sung many poems, and who, before her artistic career, was a successful model and athlete.
Imany performed her songs in both English and French, and she had no qualms about speaking in her family's native Comorian or Swahili.
This evening, the curtain fell on the Baalbek Festival with its diverse five nights of performances. Regardless of whether the evaluation of this season’s concerts was positive or negative, it is noteworthy that the committee kept the festival's flame alive in Baalbek. Thus, they demonstrated their ability to spread joy, culture, and art in the sun city’s theaters despite the difficult circumstances Lebanon is experiencing.
