Al-Khums – The first edition of the Leptis Festival for Libyan Song, named after the late artist Abdul Latif Hweil, kicked off yesterday, Thursday, on the stage of the Leptis archaeological theater in the city of Al-Khums. The event features an artistic and musical atmosphere, with dozens of Libyan artists participating over three days of competition and creative performances.
Abdul Basit Buganda, head of the General Authority for Cinema, Theater, and Arts, stated that preparations for the festival’s launch were carried out according to meticulous plans and intensive efforts. He noted that organizing this event in the city of Al-Khums reflects its historical status and highlights the importance of art in expressing Libyan identity.
Buganda emphasized that the festival is not just an artistic occasion but a national and cultural event aimed at merging heritage with the present by bringing together Libyan creativity under the umbrella of art and music at an archaeological site that reflects the ancientness of Libyan civilization.
He pointed out that holding festivals at archaeological sites helps highlight Libya’s cultural and touristic face and enhances its position as a renewed cultural destination. He also explained that this edition is competitive, as the committee received 54 musical works, of which 21 were selected to participate after a careful screening process by a specialized committee.
The festival organizers indicated that all participating works are purely Libyan, adhere to national and social values, and focus on patriotic songs that glorify the homeland and strengthen the spirit of belonging and resistance.
During this edition, a number of pioneering artists who have enriched the Libyan music scene with their works will be honored, while the jury was keen to select works that are consistent with the traditions of the conservative Libyan society.
This festival represents a new start in supporting the Libyan song, an opportunity to highlight young talents, and to enhance Libya’s cultural presence locally and internationally.