Pushing 60 And Still Going Hard, DJ Tony Tony Is A Maltese Legend
When it comes to DJing in Malta, there’s one name that literally everyone on the island knows – and not just because it’s one name, repeated, but because of sheer dedication and hard work.
DJ Tony Tony has rocked festivals, clubs, parties and after-parties all over the Maltese Islands for nearly four decades. You’ve probably seen the 56-year-old, nestled between his comfy headphones behind a deck, hands in the air with more energy and verve that most DJs half his age – and always having a good time.
Having just signed to two new labels and with big plans for 2019, DJ Tony Tony sat down with Lovin Malta and spoke about his incredible career – and what it was like during the formation of Malta’s clubbing scene.
DJ Tony Tony is part and parcel of the Maltese music scene – but when you ask him to describe himself, he has just two words
“Music pimp,” he replies with a laugh, before breaking down his beginnings.
“Born in 1962, I started out as DJ Babu, a name I got from my legendary dad, DJ Babu, who still DJs at the age of 79. My passion for music grew ever since I was eight-years-old, living in Cyprus while listening to music on my dad’s reel to reel tape, from Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Tom Jones, to Motown and most of the songs in that era,” he says.
“I always had a passion for soul music,” he continues, “and soul music led me to love and respect nearly all genres. From dance, to rock to RnB to house, I never got stuck in the past. The music has changed during the years, there’ve been ups and downs but I’ve always remained positive – and never forgot where I came from.”
He’s had a long journey – but it started nearly by accident
“I started DJing when I was 17-years-old. At that time I was a full-time refrigeration technician, and one day I was walking my dog. A guy called Charlie il-Blackie, who was my neighbour and owned a club in Paceville called The Duke, which was next to BJs, approached me,” he says.
“Charlie knew about my knowledge and he also knew my dad who had started DJing at the youth centre in 1977-78. It was a total challenge for me to start DJing without ever practicing on vinyls, and at that time we were playing all the genres, even slow songs, and Alfie Fabri was also DJing there as well.”
“In 1980 I was DJing at a place called TobyJug in Rabat thanks to David Chapell who was DJing there. The club later became Sniffs and then Tattingers. At this time my dad was building his DJing career successfully, creating his own speaker boxes and DJ gear and became a top DJ in hotels and weddings.”
“Soon after, I left my full time job, and ended up playing with my dad in hotels and weddings.”
“Anna told me about a guy named Hugo that had a place called Havana, and he let us play there every Thursday.”
“In 1992 I needed a change and went to Paceville and started at Places. In 1994 I introduced RnB to Places – we did an event every Sunday – and then the manager of a local rock bar called The Alley asked me to play rap and RnB at the Alley”
“I said ‘Nah, RnB at a rock bar?’ and I ended up playing rock and alternative anyway. After a month I became one of the main DJs there.”
“The Alley was the most challenging place ever because you really needed to know your music.”
“It was a great era for rock – at the time CD players were already here, so I bought my first two Pioneer CDJs to practice. I was confusing a lot of people regarding my style of music as I was playing all styles, but my vision was to promote RnB and hip hop because I knew that someday my vision would come true – and in 1994, along with two of my mates Chris and Silvio, we held our first RnB Night at Freestyle Axis.”
“In 1996 during my time off from the Alley and Places we organised RnB nights with my friend Anna Gough in a bar in Sliema; we were just using my house speakers and mixer. Anna told me about a guy named Hugo that ran a place called Havana – RIP Hugo, he was a legend – and he let us play there every Thursday.”
“From that day onwards, till today, Havana is still going strong.”
Things started picking up big time soon after he changed his DJ name
“In 1999, I changed my stage name to Tony Tony for the first RnB show on 89.7 Bay, and thanks to Terry Farrugia, I was involved in the first RnB Top 20 in Malta, and began hosting RnB areas.”
“I became involved in House Cuts on 89.7 Bay, and in 2000 I had another vision to start bringing over vocal house music acts. We brought over Barbara Tucker, Kathy Brown, Katherine Ellis, Emma Lanford, Alexandra Prince, Lisa Millett. Then I teamed up with G7, and MTV Events, then Sunglasses At Night, then Cafe Del Mar and Clique Club. I’ve since warmed up for big acts like Sean Paul, Sigala, Bob Sinclar, Gorgon City, Alex Adair, Jonas Blue, Federico Gardenghi, Junior Jack, Zwette, Oliver Heldens, Gigi D’Agostino, Gianluca Motta – the list goes on and on…”
Soon enough, he was DJing all over the islands
“Every event is a challenge, and it’s the challenge, passion, and growing up hardcore in the music industry that gives me this energy. If there are 50 people in front of me I still give my full as if I’m performing in front of a 2,000 person crowd,” he says.
Over the years, he’s seen the clubbing scene change in many ways
“There are positive and negative changes,” he says, “but most people have abused the internet. The music scene became polluted – people have their mobile as their first priority. Before, music was our first priority. I think we need more musical education – to understand the future, you need to go back in time.”
Similarly, he’s seen Paceville change as well, but he still loves and respects the area
“I don’t have any issues with Paceville,” he says firmly. “I like hanging out and DJing there – but I think the authorities shouldn’t be so strict on the loud music policy, especially in underground clubs. DJs do their best building up the night, then lose the crowd all because of this.”
Tony Tony keeps well ahead of changing tastes and trends
Just check out his favourite track from 2018.
And though he’s had some incredible performances, he can pinpoint his favourite
“There are quite a few favourites, but I guess it was last year 2018 Isle of MTV After-Party opening set at Uno.”
As for 2019, DJ Tony Tony’s got big plans
“I am collaborating with top local DJ/producer Paul Hamilton living in Dubai,” he beams. “We have just been signed to two underground labels – Transpecta and Dear Deer – for our upcoming tracks, and I’ll also be part of Paul Hamilton’s brand Vegas Baby.”
“Apart from that, you can find me at G7 Events, Miracles Lounge, Bugibba, Cafe Del Mar, Clique Club, Think Music Think Fashion, and Hugos. Remember, always surround yourself with positive people with respect, for only time will tell how the clock ticks,” he ends.
“None but ourselves can free our minds”
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