From right to left: Charlie Yarak, Hiyam Dagher kamleh, Sameh Bashnak, Hon Mira El Dannawi MLC, Fayrouz Ajaka, Rabih Aintarazy, and Raja Jamalddine with his son. (Photo Credit Stephen Muller)
This year marked the much-anticipated return of the ALCASA Sahra, which we held almost annually prior to 2020. To celebrate the Sahra revival, we held it as a Fringe event on Saturday 22 February 2025 at the inspiring Nexus Arts Venue, and we were honoured to welcome Hon Mira El Dannawi MLC, representing Hon Zoe Bettison, Minister of Multicultural Affairs.
Bringing back the ALCASA Sahra as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival is quite meaningful for our community, not only to connect with new audiences, but also to confirm belonging to the South Australian Arts trends through the power of live Arabic music and dance brought to the stage by South-Australian Arabic-speaking artists. The 2025 Sahra event included an engaging mix of folkloric Arabic dance and live music, with performances by a remarkable lineup of experienced artists, musicians, and singers. We were delighted to host the event with Torath Arts Group from the Australian Druze Arabic School (Dabke, Arabic line dancing), Sameh Bashnak (Oud and vocalist), Hiyam Dagher Kamleh (vocalist), Charlie Yarak (Qanun), Rabih Aintarazy (Oriental Keyboard), and Raja Jamaleddine (Derbake/Tabla).
The video below presents a few highlights from the delightful 2025 Fringe Sahra. It was a special joy to welcome Torath Arts Group who made their very first appearance in the Adelaide Fringe Festival, marking a new milestone in their journey. Their performance was a proud moment for everyone who has followed their growth. Their dance moves were more assured, their stage presence full of quiet confidence, and their connection to the music beautifully in sync. It was clear they had matured not only as dancers, but as cultural ambassadors in their own right.
The Sahra’s live music program was unforgettable. As soon as the singers began, their voice filled the space with such clarity and emotion that everything else faded away. It was one of those rare performances where time seemed to pause — you didn’t even know how to react when the final notes lingered in the air. All you could do was sit there, stunned in the best way, heart full and mind quiet.
After the performance, Hon El Dannawi joined our artists and community members on stage in a show of support and solidarity. The sense of pride and unity was clearly felt in that moment — a celebration not just of culture, but of connection. Check the selection of photos here.
We’re excited to continue this ALCASA tradition and look forward to many more Sahras to come.
Fayrouz Ajaka
ALCASA Chair and Co-Founder
Event supported by a grant from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet
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