He is one of the region’s most beloved stars, and now Hussain Al Jassmi is taking his renowned voice to one of the world’s smallest countries for a landmark concert. The Boushret Kheir star will make history when he performs at the Concerto di Natale, the Vatican’s annual Christmas show, this weekend.
When he takes to the stage, Al Jassmi will become the first Arab artist to appear at the concert, in a move that the singer said would pay tribute to the values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father. “With tolerance and peaceful co-existence, we, leaders and citizens, honor Zayed’s vision. My style is to embark on promoting interfaith and affinity among people,” the star posted on social media as he announced his participation, The National reports. “I am honored to meet the Vatican’s invitation to be the first Arab artist to participate in the annual Christmas charity event which proceeds will benefit the refugees in Erbil, Iraq, and Uganda.”
Al Jassmi has a history of philanthropic efforts, having been appointed a UN Goodwill Ambassador, and the star also serves as the Ambassador of Creativity and Ambassador for Arab Culture in the UAE. He will perform at the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall on December 15, in the 26th annual iteration of the event. Joining the best-selling Emirati artist on the bill is an international line-up of singers, including American jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, US pop performer Anastacia, and Italian trumpeter Fabrizio Bosso. Funds raised from the night will benefit Scholas Occurrentes and Missioni Don Bosco, two international charitable organizations, with the money used to aid refugees in Africa and the Middle East.
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