The Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, met with the singers, composers, authors, and committee members of Għanja tal-Poplu.
This festival, set to take place on Saturday, August 3rd, at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, will feature the participation of the Malta Concert Orchestra under the direction of Mro Joe Brown. The orchestral arrangements were made by various individuals, chosen by the participants themselves.
This year, 120 songs were submitted, from which 16 finalists were selected. The public can watch Għanja tal-Poplu live on the national station TVM on Saturday, August 3rd at 8:45 PM, with repeats scheduled for Sunday, August 4th at 2:00 PM and Wednesday, August 7th at 9:00 PM on TVM News+.
Minister Owen Bonnici wished all the finalists success in the competition and expressed his appreciation for the efforts and creativity of the singers, composers, and authors.
He noted that Għanja tal-Poplu is one of the most prestigious platforms for Maltese music, continuing to shape and promote the local musical culture.
He also emphasized the importance of supporting such initiatives, as they help safeguard and promote the Maltese language and identity through music.
This year, the festival will feature two juries: a popular jury and a professional jury, both of which will have an equal role in selecting the winning songs for the top three places. Special awards will also be given for best interpretation, best singer-songwriter, and best social theme.
This year’s special guests include Renato Micallef, who will be recognized for his contribution to Maltese music, as well as Christian Arding, the winner of the 2023 edition. The couple Joseph Galea and Antonella Galea Loffreda will be the hosts of this edition.
Here are the finalists of the 48th edition:
Kanzunetta – Kantant/a/i (Awtur, Kompożitur)
01. Jien Min Jien – Klikka (Renato Vella/ Steve Camilleri/ Malcolm Camilleri, Philip Vella)
02. Daqqa ta’ Pinna – Cherylis (Emil Calleja Bayliss, Mark Scicluna)
03. Jiena Missier – Dominic Cini (Etienne Micallef, Philip Vella)
04. Straight – Lon Kirkop (Kantawtur)
05. Bil-Jekk u Bil-Jewilla – Thea Gauci (Emil Calleja Bayliss, Mark Spiteri Lucas)
06. Fissidni – Dario Bezzina (Kantawtur)
07. Munita B’Żewġ Uċuħ – Kayley Cuschieri (Paul Ellul, Mark Scicluna)
08. Tgħanniqa – Leontine (Etienne Micallef, Dominic Cini)
09. Kanna Kanun – JAMM Band (Mark Cachia)
10. Dik L-Id – Jasmine Farrugia (Paul Ellul, Aldo Spiteri/ Bradley Spiteri/ Liam Spiteri)
11. Nafu Nħobbu Wkoll – Anna Azzopardi (Joe Julian Farrugia, Mark Spiteri Lucas)
12. Il-Poeta ta’ Ftit Kliem – Mark Tonna (Etienne Micallef, Dominic Cini)
13. Namra – Florence Aquilina (Kantawtur)
14. Inkiss Inkiss – Rachel Lowell (Emil Calleja Bayliss, Philip Vella)
15. Għażiża – Laura Bruno (Mark Spiteri Lucas)
16. Qsamt it-Triq – David Joseph Sammut (Alfred C. Sant)
This festival is organized by the voluntary organization Għanja tal-Poplu in collaboration with Pjazza Teatru Rjal. Għanja tal-Poplu is supported by the Malta Council for the Arts.
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