‘Mużika Mużika’: The Maltese Music Festival that keeps on kicking
‘Mużika Mużika – Festival Kanzunetta Maltija’ is an esteemed local musical festival organised by Festivals Malta. From jazz to rock, the competition unites local musicians to celebrate Maltese music of all genres. Despite this upcoming edition being its fourth one, the festival has a surprisingly loaded history.
History
The festival has had a bumpy ride along the years, with previous editions featuring songs that were written by international composers and consequently had English lyrics. The festival was inaugurated in 1981, with the hope of elevating local musicians and Maltese works on an international scale. And so they did, as the winners or first, second, and third place would always be invited to compete in music competitions abroad. However, after 20 consecutive years, the ‘Festival Internazzjonali tal-Kanzunetta Maltija’ was stopped to the disappointment of many.
Another 11 years later, the festival returned in 2013, and despite having a small budget, it was still received greatly in the local music scene. This return was a short one, as this comeback edition appeared to have been a one time thing, save for when it was held once again in 2016 under the name ‘L-Għanja tal-Poplu – Festival tal-Kanzunetta Maltija’. That is until the festival was revived in 2021 as ‘Mużika Mużika – Festival Kanzunetta Maltija’ by the Prime Minister and the then Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government.
Mużika Mużika 2024
gianluca bezzina wins Mużika Mużika 2023 with 'Sabiħa'
In March 2024, the country will once again pay tribute to its artists and languages, by offering a space where Maltese music can be played and appreciated. As Culture Minister Owen Bonniċi stated, “it is crucial for artistic expression in Maltese to have its platform”. With the accompaniment of a live orchestra, as well as a fair and rigorous process for the selection of participants, this Festival is giving a high level outlet for Maltese music for a fourth consecutive year. Three nights of music, celebrating our national language and the local talent that is so abundant; a very appropriate space for the Maltese Song.
It was announced last Sunday, November 19, that the 20 Semifinalists have been chosen. They’ll be competing for a spot in the Finals on the first day of ‘Mużika Mużika 2024’, to be held on March 14. The event will continue on March 24 with an evening of traditional Maltese music, as the 20 semi finalists perform a variety of Maltese hits alongside well-known local vocalists. The festival’s twelve finalists will be revealed following the conclusion of the second performance. The 12 finalists will square off for the winning title on March 25. Tickets and further information will be released closer to date, but even if you can’t make it in person, the competition is televised. Until then, a list of semifinalists can be found here.
The festival has been great for the preservation of the Maltese language, as well as the platforming of local talent. Its success has shown a growing interest among young people and proves that, as much as we cherish traditional għanja music, Maltese does indeed have a place in every genre whether classic or modern.
