This weekend, the alleys of Souk Madinat Jumeirah will be “invaded” by musicians for the annual Fete de la Musique, a free music festival that originated in France three decades ago and is going strong in 100 countries, including the UAE.
In its 16th year in Dubai, the event is organised by the French cultural body Alliance Francaise, with dozens of local musicians playing for free in unexpected places.
Held every year on June 21 — the day of the summer solstice — musicians in France take the opportunity to share their music with the public, on the street, in parks, train stations and museums. “Musicians participate at Fete de la Musique for free and it is held in the alleys of the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, as it has the same feeling as the small streets in France since we cannot do it outdoors in Dubai due to the summer heat,” says organiser Ossama Al Shammaa of the Alliance Francaise. “ La Fete de la Musique allows all people with a passion for music to gather and take part in the performance, whether they are amateur or professional musicians.”
This year will be the last time it will be held on the northern hemisphere’s longest day, as in future years it will fall during Ramadan. “We can definitely organise it on another date,” says Al Shammaa. “We will continue organising Fete de la Musique in Dubai.”
What is Fete de la Musique?
Launched in 1982 by the French Ministry for culture, the Fete de la Musique is held in more than hundred countries in Europe and over the world. The Fete de la Musique is above all a free popular event where the musicians are asked to perform for free, to share their passion for music with the public. This World Music Day allows the expression of all styles of music in a cheerful atmosphere. It aims at a large audience, working to popularise musical practice for all public from all communities.
How is it presented in the UAE?
Willing to recreate the spirit of this street festival in France, Alliance Francaise Dubai invades the alleys of Souk Madinat Jumeirah and welcomes all locally based bands and musicians. It is always presented with the same concept as in France.
Which are the performers we must not miss?
This year we have 15 groups participating at Fete de la Musique with different musical styles. It depends on each person’s taste in music, we have classical guitar, rock, jazz, percussions, swing, Arabic music, fusion, electro: an eclectic line-up. So I leave it up to audience to choose their preferred groups.
What has the reaction been like from visitors and from musicians?
This is likely to be one of the most varied and colourful musical events of the season; the public from all different communities wait for it every year to enjoy the different musical styles before leaving for summer vacations. Last year we had more than 8,000 visitors at the Souk Madinat as the number of visitors been growing year after year. Musicians consider it a great opportunity where they can perform in public and share their passion for music with the visitors. Even though the musicians are not remunerated, the number of musicians increases year after year. It is a great platform to showcase talent.
