Tunisian singer Ghalia Benali will give two concerts in Egypt in the coming month, one in Alexandria on 31 July, and another in Cairo on 14 August. Benali, was born in Belgium in 1968, but grew up in her family's Tunisian hometown Zarzis. She is known for fusing musical influences and traditions from the East and West, mixing classical Arabic styles with jazz and Indian music, reflecting her multicultural background and fascination with Arab music legends. Benali is not only a singer, composer and songwriter, but also a successful actress, starring in the film "La Saison des homes". She is also a skilled graphic designer. She began her music career at the age of 19, and in 2012 she made her debut on the Arab stage, also becoming a prominent figure in the Arab music scene. Her first solo album, the self-produced Nada, was released in 2002. The Tunisian songstress is no stranger to Egypt, with frequent performances in Alexandria and in Cairo. Her connection to Egyptian music began as a young girl, long before her first concerts. "I remember when I was four, dressing up in my mother's dress, wearing a big earring and holding a handkerchief and imitating Om Kalthoum," Benali told Ahram Online in an interview. Her many performances in Egypt include the closing ceremony of the 6th Panorama of the European Film back in 2013, the Citadel Festival for Music and Singing in 2015, and Darb 1718's Mawaweel Festival in 2014. This year's concerts are being organized by the Cairo Opera House, as part of the Summer Festival. Tickets sold at the gate. For information call: 0112 599 8003. Programme: 31 July, at 8.30pm Roman Theatre, El-Fanar St., Alexandria 14 August, at 8pm Saladin Citadel, Mahka Theatre, Saladin Citadel, Salah Salem Road, Cairo
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