The Cairo Opera House is hosting Tunisian singer Ghalia Benali in the Open Theatre on Sunday, 26 May, amid a special programme celebrating the holy month of Ramadan.

A singer, composer, songwriter and also actress and graphic designer Belnail started her music career at the age of 19, becoming a prominent figure in the Arab music scene after her first solo album, the self-produced Nada, was released in 2002.

Born in Belgium in 1968, Benali grew up in her family’s Tunisian hometown Zarzis. She is known for fusing musical influences and traditions from the East and West, mixing classical Arabic styles with jazz and Indian music, reflecting her multicultural background and fascination with Arab music legends.

Benali has performed in various venues in Egypt dozens of times and was featured with prominent musicians, including Grammy-Award winner Fathy Salama.

The Ramadan programme features a number of Egyptian and Arab performers, including Medhat Saleh (14 May), Tania Saleh (17 May), Ali El-Helbawy (20 May), Dina El-Wedidi (21 May), Khaled Selim (23 May), and Nesma Mahgoub (24 May).

Many Islamic chanting performances are also scheduled, including El-Hadra (13 May), Syria's Al-Akhiwa (15 May), Morocco's Jwad AL-Shary (16 May), Aida El-Ayoubi (18 May), Nour El-Nabi (22 May) and Yassin El-Tohamy (25 May).

Programme:                                                                              
Sunday, 26 May, 9.30pm
Cairo Opera House, Open Theatre, Zamalek

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture