Music and poetry were stars of the second night of the Sharjah World Music Festival.
Headlining the Masrah Al Qasbah, Lebanese chanteuse Jahida Wehbe transfixed the crowd with a selection of classic Arab songs in addition to poetry from some of the world's literary giants.
Where opening night headliner Naseer Shamma used the oud to explore cultural links between east and west, Wehbe focused on words and music from both worlds and illustrated how they can meld to enhance their powers.
The works of celebrated poets such as Germany's Günter Grass and the late Chilean Pablo Neruda may sound far removed from the region, but Wehbe pairs them with self composed Arabic melodies proving love, longing and determination are universal qualities.
This cultural balancing act was maintained by Wehbe’s backing group The European Fusion Band.
Luscious backdrops normally favored by classical Arab orchestras are not for them. They challenged Wehbe as her husky tenor soared over tricky rhythms ranging from Mediterranean to Balkan folk.
Whenever these exchanges threatened to overwhelm audiences, Wehbe provided respite with classics Arab tunes such as Asmahan's Ya Habibi Ta'ala and Mohammad Abdul Wahab's Jefnaho Allam Al Ghazal.
It all made for an intriguing and challenging set where - for a change - words and melody shared equal prominence.
