The universality of music and its ability to bridge cultural barriers brought Mexican and global audiences together at the Sharjah pavilion at the 36th Guadalajara International Book Fair where the emirate is being celebrated as Guest of Honour until December 4, 2022.

Resonating with the pulsating tunes of the classical Latino guitar and the melody of the Orinetal Qanun, a 78-string, traditional Arabian instrument, the Sharjah pavilion transformed into a lively space for intercultural dialogue through the language of rhythms and soulful compositions. Popular latin songs rendered in an Oriental spirit, accompanied by the heartfelt, expressive tunes of Iraqi musician and composer Furat Qaddouri, Chilean musician Vicente Allende; and percussionist Gilberto Moncada from Cuba, struck a chord with the multicultural audience at the book fair.

The powerful, expressive style of the qanun, a descendant of the Egyptian harp, and the rebellious spirit of the guitar, highlighted different musical traditions and delivered the message that music – like books – can unite people of all cultures.