If I had to point at one single festival which captivates the attention of a whole nation, that would certainly be Mużika Mużika – the celebration of Maltese talent and songs.
This week, we announced that applications for the fifth edition of Mużika Mużika are now open! The festival will take place on the 27th, 28th, and 29th of March 2025.
I appeal to those artists and creatives interested in participating to submit their applications online at muzikamuzika.mt until the 27th of September 2024.
Applications can also be submitted in person at the Festivals Malta offices in Floriana on the 26th and 27th of September.
Mużika Mużika continues to grow in popularity and talent. In this year's edition we have seen not only an increase in participants but also a rise in the quality of songs and performances.
The festival is becoming a well-known and respected event within the Maltese music community. Singers, composers, and lyricists view it as a great opportunity to showcase their talents on a prestigious platform.
The support and enthusiasm from our audiences have been tremendous. This strong backing helps make Mużika Mużika a major cultural event in Malta’s national calendar.
The success of Mużika Mużika over the years has been remarkable, and we are thrilled to be preparing for the fifth edition.
We are working hard to ensure the festival continues to meet its high standards. Next year’s festival will feature 16 finalist songs, and the first night on Thursday, March 27, will not be an elimination round. This change allows all participants to fully enjoy the festival without the pressure of elimination on the first night.
We also had, this week, the opportunity to celebrate the winners of the fourth edition of Mużika Mużika, which was held a number of months back.
The first place went to Maxine Pace with her song "Mhux tal-Aħħar," featuring lyrics by Emil Calleja Bayliss and music by Cyprian Cassar. Kantera secured second place with "Vjaġġ Sabiħ," a song composed by Kantera and Micimago with lyrics by Joe Julian Farrugia. Cliff Zammit Stevens earned third place with "Fil-Qrib," with lyrics by Joe Julian Farrugia and music by Philip Vella.
Additionally, Mro Aurelio Belli was honored for Best Arrangement with the song "3 ta’ Ġunju 2021," performed by Neville Refalo, featuring lyrics and music by Corazon Mizzi.
GIADA received the award for Best Interpretation for her song "Imħabba Vera," composed by Glen Vella and featuring lyrics by Philip Vella.
I am proud of each and every artist.
Together, let’s continue to make this festival one of the highlights of Malta’s cultural scene.
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This week we completed the purchase of another premises housing a long-established Band club in order to salvage the band club from a grave and serious risk of eviction.
This time it was the San Gejtanu Band Club in Ħamrun. This significant acquisition, which required an investment of €2.8 million, increases the number of band clubs acquired by the government to eleven.
This property will join ten other buildings that serve as main premises for various band clubs: Socjeta Muzikali Banda Marija Regina Marsa A.D. 1977; Soċjeta Mużikali La Stella Levantina A.D. – Ħ’Attard; Circolo San Giuseppe Filarmonika Sagra Familja – Kalkara; Santa Liena Band Duke of Connaught’s Own – Birkirkara; Antoine de Paule Music Society of Raħal Ġdid; Stella Maris - Tas-Sliema; San Pietru fil-Ktajjen Music Society – Birżebbuġa; Anici Socio-Musical Society- Ħal Qormi; Santa Marija Philharmonic Society - Mosta; Sant'Andrija Society - Ħal Lija
Our commitment to these acquisitions stems from the realisation that these music societies were facing a serious risk of eviction due to the legal situation related to pre-1995 rental laws.
By purchasing these properties, we are ensuring the survival and continued operation of these crucial cultural institutions. These musical societies are more than just buildings; they are the heart of our communities, playing a pivotal role in fostering cultural development and social progress.
Musical societies have been integral to our towns and cities, nurturing cultural growth and social cohesion among families over generation. The activists within these societies often spearhead initiatives that promote the arts, education, environmental conservation, and social welfare. While not everything is of course rosy and perfect, they are the unsung movers who drive community engagement and cultural expression at a local level.
The spaces these societies occupy are vital towards their operations. They serve as rehearsal spaces, meeting points, and hubs of cultural activity. Eviction would not only disrupt their activities but also threaten their very existence.
These musical societies are essential in organizing and executing local feasts and celebrations, which are key to our cultural identity, as evidenced by UNESCO.
It is crucial for us to take proactive measures to protect these organizations. Our role is not only to safeguard the talent and dedication of the individuals involved but also to uphold and promote the values of diversity and cultural expression.
By securing these properties, we are investing in the future of our cultural heritage. We want more culture in our future.
These efforts are essential in defining the cultural development and traditions that make us Maltese, ensuring sustainability for future generations.
Overall, the government is expected to invest a total of €19 million in this initiative. This includes the amount already spent on acquiring the eleven mentioned properties and the additional amount required for another property currently under a promise of sale.
Our mission is to support and sustain the vibrant cultural landscape of Malta. By securing the headquarters of these music societies, we are taking significant steps towards ensuring that our cultural traditions continue to thrive.
Together, we are dedicated to preserving the rich tapestry of Maltese cultural heritage, fostering a future filled with artistic expression and cultural diversity.
We remain committed to the ongoing support of our musical societies, recognizing their invaluable contribution to the social and cultural fabric of our nation.
Our efforts will ensure that these organizations have the resources and stability they need to flourish, enriching the lives of current and future generations.