A songwriter, composer, guitarist and singer who brings a powerful new sound to Tunisian music, Emel Mathlouthi performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center.
A songwriter, composer, guitarist and singer who brings a powerful new sound to Tunisian music, Emel Mathlouthi performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center.
Mathlouthi began writing songs as a student. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities and the apathy of her classmates and family, she began writing political songs like”Ya Tounes Ya Meskina” (“Poor Tunisia”). In 2008, she moved to Paris when the Tunisian government banned her songs from radio and TV. Her first album, “Kelmti Horra,” influenced by Joan Baez, was released in January 2012.
Mathlouthi has given concerts in Egypt, Iraq, France and Canada.
Tickets are reserved seating and priced at $25 for general admission, $20 at discount and $12 for UH-Hilo/Hawaii Community College students (with a valid student ID) and children, up to age 17, and are available by calling the UH-Hilo Box Office at 932-7490 or ordering online at artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu.