What Can We Expect From This Year’s Mużika Mużika? A Song-By-Song Guide To Tonight’s Semi-Final

1. MARA – Ir-Rota Tibqa Ddur

The all-female quartet who stormed to success last year with ‘Aħjar Hekk Inkella Agħar’ is back for another try. Their first effort will be hard to top, but their unique electro-folk genre is not to be underestimated.

Could the ladies take the trophy this time? They are certainly ones to watch.

2. Gianluca Bezzina – Sabiħa

Making his long-awaited return to the stage is Malta’s favourite singing doctor. The song title gives off vibes of a melancholic simple love ballad similar to the likes of ‘Bla Tarf’ by Kurt Calleja. The Maltese public loved a smiley doctor singing a simple song ten years ago and there is no reason to believe why they won’t love him this year.

3. Justine Shorfid – Ħaddanni

Runner-up of the second series of X Factor, Justine Shorfid is finally releasing an original song. As this is her first single, ‘Ħaddanni’ has the benefit of not being compared to previous material. Therefore expectations are moderate, which is a good place to be at if you want to surprise. With that said her covers on X Factor will have fans expecting a standout vocal performance.

4. Avenue Sky – Xorta Int

Avenue Sky has competed in both previous editions of Mużika Mużika. Their attempts have been very different from one another, although I would say last year’s effort, ‘Minn taħt l-Ilsien’ made more of an impact when compared to their previous material. Will the boys be showcasing another side to their versatility this year?

5. Kelsey Bellante – Nistenniek

Another X Factor alumni about to make her debut is Kelsey Bellante. Her versatility on the talent search was as evident as Justine Shorfid’s. However, I would say that Kelsey is at her strength with something more upbeat. Perhaps she is about to drop a bop and make it big abroad Aidan-style?

7. Petra Zammit – Miegħek Tiegħek

Petra’s discography dates back to 2008 when she first participated in Malta’s Eurovision selection. Since then, she has established herself as an experimental artist by tapping into a variety of genres ranging from jazz to country-pop. However, her strength has always been blues. Therefore we can expect to see her compete with a soulful piece incorporating her strengths.

8. Aidan Drakard & Lisa Gauci – Jekk Mhux Int

The freshest talent to come out of the last series of X Factor will unite on this year’s Mużika Mużika stage. The young duo came to fame as solo singers, so it will be very interesting how their entry will combine both of their strengths.

9. Jasmine Abela – M’Hawnx Bħalek

24-year-old Jasmine will be making her debut in Maltese, but has been releasing material in English since 2016. Although not yet anchoring her efforts on a particular musical genre, Jasmine is one of the most promising young talents of the country. Fans of hers are eager to see her break through with a smash hit. Could this be her year?

10. CODA – Flimkien

It would be incorrect to call them a boyband, so we can use the term Male Quintet. I have no idea what to expect here since the artists that make up CODA all come from very different musical backgrounds. Therefore, it will be very interesting to see how they come together to sing ‘Flimkien’.

11. Miriam Christine – Skont Liema Triq

Quite possibly the most experienced artist on this line-up, Miriam Christine is a respected icon. Her vocal richness and passionate performances have made her a heavyweight among Maltese artists who stood the test of time. This is one of the acts we can watch with ease, as we know she always delivers a solid product.

12. KWINTI – Mid-Dinja m’Għandna Xejn

Boy/girl band KWINTI is the freshest name this year. In fact, they were formed on ‘Mużika Mużika: Il-Vjaġġ Ikompli,’ the talent search aimed to find a newcomer to compete on the big stage. KWINTI is also working with up-and-coming producer Micimago on this track. Could this be a surprise contender?

13. Michela Galea – Ġawhra

This is Michela’s second time competing at Mużika Mużika. One thing about this girl is that definitely at her best when singing in Maltese. Her last effort did not take her to the final. Hopefully this year she can make it.

14. Giada – Rumanz

Fresh from participating in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest, Giada is committed to her music. Since she usually sings in English, it will be a nice change to see her in Maltese. Maybe if it goes well we can have her come back to Eurovision with a song in Maltese?

15. Josef & Victoria – Hekk Kif Int

Another pair of names that are not new to the Mużika Mużika stage, Josef and Victoria are teaming up on ‘Hekk Kif Int’. They will evidently be compared to the other duo in the competition who I believe might have a more loyal fanbase. However, it’s the song that speaks most.

16. Mark Micallef Costa – Fuq Pultruna

Lead singer of the band SterjoTipi is going solo at Mużika Mużika. Mark Micallef Costa has written and composed the song all by himself; this is usually a good sign that the product will stand out and be authentic. I would also pin this as one that might do some damage.

17. Raquel – Min Aħna?

Raquel has been around since 2014 competing in various local festivals. This is her second time at Mużika Mużika. More than commercial success, Raquel might benefit from using this entry to align herself with a stronger musical identity that has not been so present in her material so far.

18. Enya Magri ft. Ir-Russu – Verdett

Merging a vocal powerhouse together with an experienced trumpet player sounds like a recipe for success. And that is what Enya Magri and Adrian “Ir-Russu” Brincat are hoping to achieve with their first Mużika Mużika participation. If anything, a product like this should stand out among the many ballads.

19. Martina Borg – L-Aħħar Darba

Martina Borg is a relatively new name to the festival scene in Malta. However, she is a highly skilled singer who has performed in front of the Pope and Prince Edward among others.

20. Julie Pomorski, Kapitału Tlettax – Wiċċ b’Ieħor

Fresh from making the final last year, rapper Kapitlu Tlettax is now teaming up with veteran Julie Pomorski on a track that seems to tackle a very timely topic which is fake impressions. This could be the most lyrically interesting song this year.

21. Jason Scerri – Ħares il-Fuq

Singer-songwriter Jason Scerri had his debut during this year’s Malta Eurovision selection. Although it is safe to say it might not have achieved the result he wanted, this composition provides a perfect opportunity for him to take his career to the next level.

Who are you most excited to see at this year’s Mużika Mużika?