The stars of the night
Meet the main entertainers of our gala
Mohamad Awada
Mohamad Awada is a seasoned MC and public speaker with over a decade of experience across government, nonprofit, and cultural sectors. He has hosted major events for organizations like the Centre for Newcomers and the Calgary Arab Festival, which he helped grow into a leading cultural celebration. Trained in media and government communications, and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, Mohamad is known for his professionalism, authenticity, and strong community connection.
Dabkenta
A premier Calgary-based, female-led dance group specializing in authentic Dabke and Zaffe entertainment for weddings and events. Led by Hilwea Sleiman, the group brings high-energy performances, traditional drummers, and cultural joy to events in the YYC area.
Aya Mhana
Aya Mhana, Calgary-based singer from the city of Swaida, songwriter, and oud player whose music bridges her roots from Swaida, a city where life is pure and simple, with her journey in Canada. Since immigrating in 2016, she’s performed at major festivals like the Calgary Stampede and GlobalFest, earning awards for her artistic and community contributions. Through her soulful work, Aya shares messages of hope, exile, and belonging, celebrating home in all its forms.
Silya Merhi
A distinguished Lebanese violinist based in Alberta, Canada. Known for her captivating performances that bridge traditional and contemporary musical styles, she has become a celebrated figure within the Arab-Canadian arts community. Whether performing at cultural festivals or intimate gatherings, Silya brings a unique depth and emotional resonance to her music, reflecting her rich heritage and artistic versatility.
Josiane Bechaalani
A professional musician and skilled qanun player known for her expressive performances and deep musical sensitivity. With experience in live events, tribute performances, and artistic collaborations, she brings authenticity and grace to every stage. Through her music, Josiane celebrates cultural heritage and the power of connection, inviting audiences to experience emotion and storytelling through sound.
Ishtar Dance Collective
Lyla and Sakinah, founding members of Calgary’s Ishtar Dance Collective, are acclaimed for their dynamic fusion of Middle Eastern, Bollywood, and contemporary styles. With nearly 30 years of combined experience, they bring passion, artistry, and cultural storytelling to every performance, sharing the beauty and spirit of Middle Eastern dance with audiences everywhere.
Asma Ibrahim
A Tunisian performer. She began her career at Radio Sfax, where she produced several songs. She also took part in numerous radio and television programs across Tunisia. Her career is also marked by her participation as a singer in several theatrical productions with compositions by the composer Ridha Ben Mansour, with whom she also performed live concerts at various festivals such as Najaa El Fen, the Zaghouan Festival, the Douz Festival, and others