‘Gateway To A Malta That No Longer Exists’: Valletta Exhibition For The Late Għannej ‘Il-Bambinu’
An exhibition celebrating the life of the late “il-Bambinu” Mikiel Abela, is on all throughout the rest of the week in Valletta.
“Il-Bambinu’s work is firmly rooted in the soil of his homeland. The collection highlights the context in which his work was created, offering audiences a gateway to a Malta that no longer exists,” the event organisers said.
‘Bil-Mixi Ġejt: The Life and Times of il-Bambinu’ exhibition aims to bring his art back to life by exposing the audience to his audio recordings, film, photography, and ephemera.
Photo Credit: Discogs
Il-Bambinu was one of the most popular Maltese folk singers, he passed away in 1991. The għannej was famous for his makkjetti and for his folk ballads.
Like all great għannejja, il-Bambinu enjoyed poking at and challenging authorities – the title for the exhibition is inspired by an impromptu verse he had boldly sang in the 1970s for a performance held in honour of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi –
Sur Gaddafi tħobb lil Malta
Jien miż-Żejtun bil-mixi ġejt
Nitolbok biex tagħdirna
U fittex raħsilna ż-żejt.
Curated by Charlie Cauchi, the exhibition is on until Saturday 10th June at The Splendid, in Valletta. Entry is free. Find more information on the exhibition here.
On 7th June, a għana trio, called Gitgħana, will also be performing at the same location. Find more information here.
Tag someone who loves għana
READ NEXT: Maltese Documentary On Traditional Christmas Cribs Wins Five Telly Awards In US
