Artist Statement

As an artist from Tunisia, I draw from my culture and heritage to create music that resonates beyond borders. This land, rich with thousands of years of history, lies in the heart of the Mediterranean, at the intersection of the Eastern and Western, as well as the Arab and African worlds, and offers me an infinite palette of inspiration. My goal is to show the richness of Tunisian art and culture in my music and to integrate the various influences that speak to this majestic place where so many cultures influence each other. My music is a celebration of diversity, a fusion of the sounds and rhythms that has shaped my country and my being. Through my compositions, I tell stories of love, peace, resilience, and the ability to flourish despite trials. Thus, my music is not only an artistic expression, but also a bridge between cultures. It is a sound journey through time and space, guided by the melodies and harmonies that define my identity and my heritage. The kanun is an instrument of exceptional richness and versatility. The kanun is capable of transporting the listener into rich and diverse worlds: sometimes wild and exciting and other times dreamy and inspirational. As one of my teachers pointed out, this richness can be beneficial or challenging in musical performance. Transmitting music through the kanun, considered the pillar of the Arabic music ensemble, is sacred to me. I respect this instrument so deeply, and hope that comes across in each performance. I aim to reveal both the beauty and imperfections of my instrument freely. My music creates an effect in the soul of the listener and brings about change, like any other art form. Regardless of the genre, this music touches the heart, without being confined to a single path or direction. In many ways, Arabic music has had its unique essence preserved and expanded by the kanun.

I invite the audience to accompany me on an outward journey through musical pieces from diverse countries and cultures, as well as on an inner journey, through spiritual sensations and feelings. My vision is to practice freedom and transmit it through music, and to immerse myself in deep spirituality and strengthen eternal values like love, brotherhood and peace. This allows my music to go beyond an hour of concert or a track on a streaming platform, and transcend time and space.

–Farah Fersi



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