The week-long event will bring together artists from 23 countries, including Russia, China, India, Brazil, South Africa, the US, and several Middle Eastern and African states.
It is organized by the Foundation for the Preservation and Support of Cultural Heritage and the Development of National and World Culture “Traditions of Art.”
Saad, a soloist at the Alexandria Opera House, is known for blending Eastern and Western musical traditions and has previously won the Arabic Song Contest held under Egypt’s Supreme Council of Culture.
He will perform a love ballad titled Among All the Girls, described as an Arabic-style pop ballad with cinematic touches and Middle Eastern motifs.
Eissa, a professor of music education sciences with over 35 years’ experience, will serve on the contest’s international jury.
He has judged events including the Nile Rock Music Festival, composed soundtracks for films and TV, and authored over 16 academic works.
He has also been recognized with the Contribution to the Development of University Education prize.
Mikhail Shvydkoy, Special Presidential Envoy on International Cultural Cooperation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier signed a decree designating Moscow as this year’s host city.
Organizers say the contest aims to promote cultural exchange and bring artists together “to inspire and unite millions” through music celebrating “love, understanding, and homeland.”
Mikhail Shvydkoy, Russia’s special presidential envoy on international cultural cooperation, said: “Music and culture must remain beyond politics — a principle we steadfastly uphold. Despite recent challenges, global interest and respect for Russian art endure.”
“The Crystal Cup of the contest symbolizes the purity of intention of all Intervision participants. Each country here will be able to reveal its cultural identity, soul, and individuality. When people begin to sing, many differences fade into the background. When they sing — they are united, they forget about division. There will be one winner, but no losers,” he added.
Sergei Novikov, head of the Russian Presidential Directorate for Social Projects, said the event would showcase values “that truly attract people from around the world to our country — strong families, volunteerism, mutual aid and respect.”
He added: “Russia has repeatedly been a centre of musical culture throughout history… Now in the 21st century, it must be so once more. I am confident that on 20 September, Russia will become the world’s music capital.”
This year’s line-up includes performers from Russia, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Venezuela, Vietnam, India, Kazakhstan, Qatar, China, Colombia, Madagascar, Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, the US, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and South Africa.
Colombian singer Nidia Góngora will perform In the Mangrove Thickets, a tribute to the mangrove forests of Colombia’s Pacific coast; sanctuaries of life, resilience, and ancient wisdom, and an integral part of the lives of the Afro-Colombian communities who inhabit and protect them.
China’s Wang Xi will present his hit At the Horizon, while Vietnam’s Đức Phúc will stage a show inspired by Vietnamese mythology.
Kenya’s Sanaipei Tande will perform an afro-pop version of her hit Flavour, and Madagascar’s duo D-Lain and Denise will present I Want More For Us, a love song they hope will encourage listeners “to live life to the fullest and become stronger.”
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