A familiar warmth, an echoing voice and eyes heavy with bliss. Dressed in a black and gold Jean-Louis Sabaji gown, this is how Nancy Ajram received her audience at London’s Royal Albert Hall this weekend, returning to the historic venue more than two decades since her debut performance there. Offering a shared nostalgia, she enchanted the audience with classic melodies from her repertoire — from Ah W Noss and Lawn Ouyounak to a transcendent rendition of Inta Eyh – leaving audiences swaying and singing long after her final note. For many, the evening served as a reminder of a bygone era – both celebratory and deeply personal. The Lebanese artist also delighted her audience with a selection of her latest songs, showcasing her evolving musical journey. As a testament to the artist’s enduring resonance, the hall assembled a multinational crowd, uniting generations of the Arab diaspora alongside international attendees, many who had travelled from afar.
Throughout the night, Ajram’s connection with her audience was palpable. Following a supporting act by artist Mishaal Tamer – whose contemporary sound reveals the evolving landscape of Arab music – her nuanced vocals and magnetic stage presence ignited fans without pause. Some of them even joined her on stage. With very few people remaining seated throughout the evening, the experience became a memorable display of cultural revelry.
Since its opening in 1871, the Royal Albert Hall has played host to the world’s most revered performers, from Maria Callas to Abdel Halim Hafez. Its resonant acoustics and architectural grandeur have made it a rite of passage for many artists. In 2004, Ajram’s performance at the venue became a marker of the genre’s evolution, blending traditional Arabic melodies with contemporary pop elements. Her youthful energy and contemporary sound introduced a vibrant narrative to the historic venue, showcasing the dynamism of Arab music in the 21st century.
