Ibrahim Maalouf and Hiba Tawaji Bring Timeless Emotion to "Je t’aimais, je t’aime, je t’aimerai"
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 4
The French-Lebanese Duo Breathe Renewed Life into Francis Cabrel’s Beloved Classic Unveiling a Glimpse of Their Upcoming Album À LA FRANÇAISE.
Few songs capture the essence of eternal love like Francis Cabrel’s “Je t’aimais, je t’aime, je t’aimerai.” On February 13th, trumpet virtuoso Ibrahim Maalouf and Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji released a touching reinterpretation of this classic, a delicate fusion of brass, voice, and emotion that feels both familiar and new.
The duet, rich in warmth and finesse, serves as the first glimpse into their upcoming album À LA FRANÇAISE, which will be released on September 18, 2026. The project reimagines iconic pieces of French chanson through Maalouf’s lyrical arrangements and Tawaji’s radiant vocals, paying tribute to French pop traditions with a contemporary, global feel.
“I wanted to revisit these songs with sincerity,” Maalouf said in a recent studio interview. “It’s about bringing our shared emotions to melodies that have shaped generations.”
For listeners, this cover captures that goal beautifully. Maalouf’s trumpet moves like a second voice, intimate and reflective. Tawaji’s interpretation unfolds with vulnerability and grace. The result is not simply a remake but a rebirth, honoring Cabrel’s poetic spirit while opening a dialogue between East and West.
A personal harmony: Ibrahim Maalouf and Hiba Tawaji
Beyond the music, this collaboration reflects creative and personal unity. Maalouf and Tawaji are not just musical partners; they are a couple in life as well, raising two children while pursuing international careers. Their connection adds tenderness to the recording, turning the refrain “je t’aimerai” into something deeply felt and authentic.
Their chemistry, admired by audiences around the world, will extend to the stage later this year. Following the release of À LA FRANÇAISE, the duo will embark on a European and Middle Eastern tour from November 2026 through March 2027. Each performance will blend French classics, Arabic poetry, and Maalouf’s jazz-influenced orchestrations. A second single, coming April 10, 2026, will provide another preview of the album’s emotional and musical depth.
Hiba Tawaji: Voice of Modern Artistry
Since her debut in 2008, Hiba Tawaji has become one of the leading voices in Arabic and international music. With a four-octave range and expressive power that transcends languages, she has collaborated with artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Florent Pagny, Luis Fonsi, and Pentatonix, merging the emotion of Arabic song with the elegance of French music.
In 2024, she made history performing under Gustavo Dudamel with the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra at the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, a concert broadcast to millions worldwide. Her groundbreaking 2017 performance as the first woman to sing publicly in Saudi Arabia established her as a symbol of artistic courage and cultural dialogue. Two years later, she gave voice to Princess Jasmine in Disney’s French version of Aladdin, a fitting role for an artist whose strength and grace reach across cultures.
Ibrahim Maalouf: The Sound of Crossing Borders
Born in Beirut and raised in Paris, Ibrahim Maalouf has built a career defined by musical curiosity and boundary-breaking innovation. His sound bridges jazz, classical, Arabic maqam, and pop influences with fluid ease. Over the years, he has collaborated with artists including Angélique Kidjo, Marcus Miller, and Gonzalez, earning recognition as one of France’s most distinctive instrumentalists.
A winner of multiple Victoires de la Musique awards, Maalouf is celebrated for albums such as Diagnostic and Illusions, works that blend technical mastery with emotional intensity. His performances are often described as cinematic, filled with atmosphere and heart. With À LA FRANÇAISE, Maalouf continues to explore harmony between cultures and emotions, now alongside the person who shares both his art and his life.
A Love Letter in Sound with Ibrahim Maalouf and Hiba Tawaji
With À LA FRANÇAISE, Tawaji and Maalouf invite listeners into a space where musical heritage meets imagination. Their version of “Je t’aimais, je t’aime, je t’aimerai” feels like a love letter to music, to France, and, perhaps, to each other.
As the trumpet and voice fade together into silence, one truth remains. Love, like melody, never disappears; it transforms, it evolves, and when shared with genuine emotion, it begins again. For tickets, visit LiveNation.com.
For more information, follow both across social platforms: Spotify.com