New PBS and TVM logos launch met with controversial reactions

Sep 7 2021

The reveal of the new ‘Public Broadcasting Services’ (PBS), ‘TVM’, and ‘TVM news+’ logos was met with quite a controversial reaction. With a new schedule of programmes to start from the last week of September, the submission by bespoke company was chosen from a total of 21 entries after a public competition was launched at the end of July. The idea to incorporate Malta’s cross with the symbol of media play was to showcase the idea of a forward moving icon, stated designer Ryan Calleja.

The reaction to the new logos was, safe to say, quite mixed. Some weren’t very impressed with them, some asking whether minimalism as a concept was heard about on the island and other saying that kindergarten students would have done a better job. Others however defended the update, with one in particular stating that there is zero support for artists and that not even a simple logo update is exempt from mockery.

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From funk to hip-hop: Maltese Music Monday is BACK!

Sep 6 2021

With Autumn around the corner and the last few weeks of summer seemingly going at full speed, the Maltese Music scene is no different with a plethora of local artists putting out some stellar work to see off Malta’s scorching season! From hip-hop bars to funky rhythms, we’ve got some gems for you this week.

SterjoTipi – Differenti

Beloved local band SterjoTipi are back with a new release from their upcoming album ‘Supereroj’ and we are already hyped. The Maltese-speaking band’s track ‘Differenti’ is an empowering track which the band says was written to encourage people to stand out from the crowd and feel confident.

Hearing the Maltese language in music is already a plus and when it’s a gorgeous track like this one, you just can’t help but fall in love.

JC.B – National Submerge Week

Budding local hip-hop artist JC.B’s first album ‘National Submerge Week’ is a testament to everything great about the Maltese Music Scene. Slick flows, gorgeous instrumentals and collaborations on collaborations.

Featuring some of the hottest local talent in Sam Christie, JOON, Chris Vella and Milo Bank$ as well as a bold music video which was filmed, produced and edited by local art collective The InSynk Collective, ‘National Submerge Week’ is an an album which you should definitely add to your playlist.

J Joy – Dance Again

Malta’s dance music veteran J Joy’s first track of 2021 ‘Dance Again’ is a showcase of why he has been in the scene for so long. The chill, groovy track brings all the summer vibes and is the perfect soundtrack for a pool day or gorgeous Maltese sunset.

Dance again is J Joy’s first release since his EP ‘Sundowner’ in 2018 and it is great to see Malta’s dance music scene constantly spicing things up.

Milo Bank$ – Kalopsia

Apparently, Kalopsia is Milo Bank$’s last piece of work which he’ll be releasing out of Malta and it looks like the rapper wanted to go out with a bang.

The 8-track album is Bank$’s last before taking some time off and brings together everything from sombre ethereal sounds to banging hip-hop beats, be advised: the pen-game is strong with this one.

Luke Chappell – Hold On

As he continues to traverse the local and international music scene, there has never been a moment where Luke Chappell did not impress and his latest track ‘Hold On’ is no exception.

Emotional bars, a gorgeous instrumental and a now-signature heart-wrenching vocal performance from Chappell himself, we can’t wait to see where this young artist goes next in his career.

Paris to Istanbul – You Leave Me Jaded

Unlikely-project turned funk Masterclass, Paris to Istanbul’s most recent release is the ideal summer tune to cool down to and it’s all about moving on and vibing out.

The tune’s funky rhythm and production from Mathematikal’s Jay Zinga and Red Electrick bassist Ivan paired with Bee’s stellar vocal performance, Paris to Istanbul is definitely on our list of local favourites.

What’s your favourite local track right now?

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Dedicated group set up to work towards the return of feasts by 2022

Sep 6 2021

The NGO ‘Ghaqda Kazini tal-Banda’ issued a statement in which it announced the formation of a group dedicated to initiate discussions towards the return of feasts by 2022. This group is set to create a concrete road map so as to reignite the cultural phenomenon of village feasts starting 1st January 2022. The members are directly involved in the organisation of feasts which include committees who work on band clubs, construction and ‘Socjetajiet tal-Banda’.

The group’s aim is to have a holistic plan ready and presented to the health authorities by the end of September. This will show the authorities how this cultural aspect of Malta can continue without endangering the lives of people given the COVID-19 pandemic. The organisation also encouraged the authorities to give notice to the several letters sent throughout the past months which have as of yet gone unanswered.

Elsewhere, Roberta Metsola also spoke about Malta’s festivities, saying that they distinguish us and make us who we are. Feasts are ‘part of our identity and culture, a manifestation of the religious beliefs of many.’ Involving thousands of volunteers and dedicated youth, these iconic feasts are proof of Malta’s communities’ greatest characteristics. Highlighting the two year absence of such feasts due to COVID-19, Metsola hopes to see the return of such celebrations next year.

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Photo Source: InterContinental Malta, Roberta Metsola FB

24 companies give up licenses following Malta’s grey-listing

Sep 6 2021

After the Maltese islands were grey listed by the Financial Action Task Force, around 24 companies have reportedly given up their licenses to operate in the country. This was revealed by Nationalist Party spokesperson Peter Agius, who addressed a press conference alongside MP Kristy Debono and candidate Jerome Caruana Cilia. Debono stated that some of the companies concerned had operated in Malta for 15 years, pointing out how the current situation has left the financial service industry at a crossroads.

Debono added that other companies are skeptical about renewing their licenses. He said that we need to firstly find out why these companies re not renewing their licenses.

Calling on the government to communicate its plans to get Malta off the grey-list, Debono said that authorities have so far been unconvincing or failed to effectively communicate any plans. Debono said that the lack of information on the plan ahead is proving to be an obstacle for businesses planning their futures.

Debono also stated that the government has not shown the will to hold those whose actions ‘shredded’ Malta’s international reputation responsible. Businesses are thus paying the price due to this repetitional damage.

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Photo Source: The Times, Kristy Debono FB, Peter Agius FB