Jason Micallef, the chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency, is proposing a new national anthem for Malta to replace the current one written by Dun Karm Psaila. On Facebook, Micallef shared that while attending writer Ray Mahoney’s funeral, he was moved by the song “Tema 79,” which was created for the rock opera Gensna. He believes that “Tema 79,” with lyrics by Ray Mahoney and music by Paul Abela, should be Malta’s new national anthem due to its profound emotional impact and strong sense of national sentiment that transcends any occasion.
Micallef expressed utmost respect for the existing national anthem by Dun Karm Psaila, but he ardently advocates for “Tema 79” to be given this prestigious honor. He is convinced that the song possesses all the necessary elements to represent the country as its anthem.
However, his proposal is not without controversy, as the rock opera Gensna has been closely associated with the Labour Party, which might cause divided opinions on the matter. Sung by Mary Spiteri, “Tema 79” has resonated deeply with people from various backgrounds, making it a strong contender for the new national anthem.
The current Maltese national anthem dates back to 1922 and was officially adopted when Malta gained independence in 1964.
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