Malta’s Musical Landscape Is Thriving More Than Ever Thanks To L-Għanja Tal-Poplu
One festival dedicated to supporting and promoting the Maltese language is giving the island’s endemic music scene a new lease on life.
The stunning L-Għanja tal-Poplu – Festival tal-Kanzunetta Maltija went down on the 30th July in the beautiful Teatru Rjal.
The Malta Concert Orchestra, directed by Mro Joe Brown, helped serenade passersby and get the party started.
The festival was aired on national television for thousands to see – and with a total of 131 songs taking part in the festival, host Valerie Vella had a lot of talented people to present to the public.
One of the standout tracks, entitled Fil-Kexxun, by Alexia Micallef speaks about the difficulties that everyone faces when it comes to anorexia and other eating disorders. Words and music were composed by Lon Kirkop.
Micallef’s heartfelt rendition and Kirkop’s words were crowned the winners of L-Għanja tal-Poplu 2022. Micallef also won Enzo Gusman’s best song presentation prize.
All of the participants also had the opportunity to meet with Owen Bonnici, Minister for Culture, where all of the Maltese musical greats could reminisce over the Għanja tal-Poplu experience.
Second place went to the song called Ismi. Sung by Marija Bellia, and composed in collaboration with Iona Dalli, the song is inspired by the horrific events that took place earlier this year to Paulina Maria Dembska.
The song deals with all of the fear and uncertainty that women all over the world need to live with. Marija Bellia also won the prize for being the best singer-author.
Coming in hot in third place was MARA with their song called Ħelu Manna, which was written by Emil Calleja Bayliss and composed by Philip Vella. The song revolves around that sweet feeling only your nanna can give you.
The last prize was awarded to Joe Julian Farrugia for his song entitled Mr X. Being interpreted by Philip Vella, Mr X revolves around the recent case where a nameless man was reported missing, and then his body was found.
Last but not least, to show their gratitude, the Għanja tal-Poplu committee presented the Għanja Li Tibqa’ prize to Tony Camilleri to thank him for his contribution over the years.
This festival would not have been possible without the help of the Arts Council Malta and the Valletta Cultural Agency – and judging from how appreciative the Maltese artists involved were, we can’t wait till the next edition.
What was your favourite track? Tag someone who loves L-Għanja tal-Poplu!
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