Shatha Hassoun is a Moroccan-Iraqi singer and actress born in Casablanca to an Iraqi father and a Moroccan mother, and admirers call her the daughter of Mesopotamia. Her studies ranged from English Literature in Casablanca to hotel and tourism management in Tangier, and she later earned a master’s degree in France. She has sung in six languages, and her recording home is Rotana Music Group.
In 2007 she won the fourth season of Star Academy Arab World, becoming the first woman to take the title. Her debut single Rooh opened at number one on Rotana’s Pepsi Top 20 chart, and Asmallah Asmallah was widely embraced in Iraq. She recorded traditional Iraqi songs alongside Ilham al-Madfai. The Murex d’Or award came her way in 2007 and again in 2009, and in 2008 she took on acting in the series Rasael Men Ragol Mayet. In 2009 she gave charity concerts for children in Baghdad. Today she also leads the International Iraq Festival, an arts celebration that honors Arab artists.
Shatha Hassoun Celebrates a Beautiful Close
The third edition of the International Iraq Festival has come to a beautiful close, and Shatha Hassoun has plenty to smile about. She calls it an extraordinary night and a success the whole team is truly proud of. The glow of that final evening is easy to picture, because a festival that reaches its third edition has obviously caught on.
Festivals that return year after year earn a lasting spot on a city’s calendar. Each edition adds fresh memories and a few new friendships, and the idea becomes a familiar friend. Three editions is a proud milestone for any celebration of the arts, and the team deserves every cheer that follows it. A success such as this one starts as a dream on paper and ends as a night people remember fondly. Every great night starts as a hopeful plan, and this one grew into a celebration that Baghdad can treasure. Artists and supporters now own a happy memory of the occasion.
Baghdad Hosts a Gathering of Stars
Baghdad played host to an incredible gathering of stars and distinguished guests. The Iraqi capital has a long and glorious story, and a festival of this caliber gives it a glittering stage for music and glamour. Baghdad has long been a city of storytellers, and a stage full of stars suits it well. Imagine bright lights and elegant gowns in a hall full of talent.
The Ministry of Culture lent its patronage to the edition, a gesture that gives the festival a proud national home. Iraq’s culture minister has recently said that the country will see many carnivals from its north to its south and that Iraqi arts will receive support. A festival of this caliber fits that spirit beautifully, because it invites artists and guests to celebrate in the heart of the capital. Distinguished guests lend prestige to a festival, and stars add the excitement that makes it memorable.
Gratitude Goes to Every Believer
Shatha Hassoun closed the festival chapter on a warm tone by sending heartfelt thanks to everyone who believed in the vision. She also thanked the people who supported the team and helped make the evening happen. That kind of gratitude says a lot about a founder. It also shows humility, because the credit goes outward to the people who made the night possible.
A festival is a team effort. Planning takes patience, and a great many hands pitch in long ahead of the first guest walking in. Supporters and helpers each deserve a slice of the credit, and her message hands it to them freely. Words of thanks make the whole project generous, and they invite fresh friends to join the next edition. Anyone who has ever organized an event knows that a simple thank you goes a long way.
Shatha Hassoun Honors Arab Artists
From the beginning, she has described the festival as a celebration that honors Arab artists and gives awards for achievements on screen and in music. Honoring artists is a lovely way to say thank you to the people who bring songs and stories into Arab homes. For artists who spend months or years on their craft, a warm salute from fellow artists is a gift worth cherishing. A trophy handed to the right artist can encourage a young performer to keep dreaming.
The festival also gives Baghdad a lively role in the wider Arab arts scene. Artists from different cities can meet, congratulate one another and trade ideas. Her own love of music has taken her to stages in North America and around the Arab world, so it makes sense that she wants other artists to enjoy a bright spotlight in the Iraqi capital.
This Is Only the Beginning
The most exciting line in her message is a promise. She says this is only the beginning, and next year the festival will return in extraordinary style. That is the sort of sentence that makes fans mark a date on the calendar and start dreaming of outfits.
A promise suits a festival that has already reached a third edition. The team knows what worked, the guests know what to expect and the city is ready to welcome a celebration. Everything is ready for a fresh round of music and awards. Until then, Shatha Hassoun can enjoy the glow of this beautiful night and the pride of a job well done.
