BOP SEASON: Maltese music galore as local artists release summer bangers

Jul 13 2021

With summer in full force, the island’s music scene is just about as hot as its weather, with local artists putting out one stellar release after the other. From big pop anthems to brand new bops, the Maltese Music Scene continues to thrive and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Lapes – Merħba Malta

Local rapper and king of controversial lyrics Lapes is back once again with the release of his long awaited album ‘Merħba Malta’. The album brings together tracks with long-time collaborators like Nadine Fenech, local favourites like Petra as well as fellow rap mainstay Owen Leuellen amongst other collaborations.

Emma Muscat – Meglio Di Sera

Following the explosive success that was Sangria, Emma Muscat brings Alvaro De Luna and Astol for another pop bop in the form of Meglio Di Sera. The dance tune blends slick summery sounds with the featured rappers’ slick flows, making for a massive summer anthem. The video is also shot entirely in Malta and highlights the true beauty of a summer on the island and we can’t get enough.

Feds – Stay Cool

London-based Maltese artist Feds returns with a cool, empowering pop track which is all about ‘owning your awkwardness and being ok with everyone’s own little quirks’. The track brings the vibes with Feds’ trademark Neo soul influences to make a unmistakeable summer tune.

NÈO-X – The Connection

Delivering a blend of entrancing sounds and hypnotic vocals, local DJ and producer NÈO-X’s latest track ‘The Connection’ is the closest thing to an Ibiza vibe we can get at the moment and we’ll happily take it.

LYNDSAY – Done

Ahead of the release of her album, local songstress Lyndsay drops an emotional single in ‘Done’. The powerful pop ballad is sure to get her fans excited for the drop of her album in the coming weeks.

Owen Leuellen – Runaway

X Factor sensation and local rapper Owen Leuellen has truly embraced the island’s summer vibes and has come out with a brand new sound with the laidback ‘Runaway’, with a slick video to match.

El Ferr – HEAT WAVE

Hip-hop’s new kid on the block El Ferr bursts onto the scene with his debut single HEAT WAVE. Wavy guitar licks, punchy hip-hop beats and smooth vocal lines, if this guy’s first track is a sign of what’s to come, we’re ready for it.

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Ridicule of disability to become official hate crime in new criminal code

Jul 13 2021

Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli stated in parliament that ridiculing people for their disability will become a crime punishable by imprisonment. The changes to the Criminal Code were approved by Cabinet, with Farrugia Portelli putting forth the first reading in parliament on Monday afternoon. The current law gives protection against hate crimes towards various groups and minorities, but disabled persons are not referenced.

Farrugia Portelli stated that it is unacceptable to have politicians demonising people and families in relation to disability. Police will thus be given the tools to take criminal action when such cases of ridicule, attack or humiliation arise. The changes were praised by many, including PL MP Oliver Scicluna who stated that this is the step in the right direction to protect persons of disability.

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Photo Source: Julia Farrugia Portelli, Oliver Scicluna FB

Zurrieq’s Wied Fulija transformed into a green open space

Jul 13 2021

Wied Fulija, a former landfill in Zurrieq, has been transformed into a green landscape for the public to enjoy. With an investment of around € 4.5 Million, the space has become home for well over 43,000 trees and bushes whilst also spanning some of Zurrieq’s most panoramic Cliffside’s. The initiative in favour of biodiversity spans about 90 acres, with a water reservoir installed to guarantee the sustainability of the project.

Inaugurating the project, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that the landscape was rehabilitated more closely to its natural state. Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia, also speaking at the inauguration, stated that future generations will not see the landfill full of waste but instead will enjoy the fresh air and natural aesthetic which Wied Fulija will provide.

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Photo Source: Aaron Farrugia FB

73 cases of sexual and physical abuse of children reported in 2021 so far

Jul 13 2021

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri revealed on Monday that 73 cases of physical and sexual assault on minors have been reported since the start of 2021. Responding to a parliamentary question posed by PL Mp Silvio Grixti, Camilleri revealed the information in parliament, with the cases being split into categories of bodily harm, domestic violence and sexual offences.

Of these 73 cases, 18 were sexual offences, 30 bodily harm and 25 domestic violence. The information also revealed that since 2018 there have been 95 reports of sexual offences against children and under-18s. 2020 received the highest number of such reports, reaching up to 30. As a total of all categories, 2019 saw the highest number of reports being made at a total of 168.

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Photo Source: Pixabay, Byron Camilleri FB, TVM