Malta Song Festival

Although Malta is a small island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea with a small population, it is nonetheless rich in its history and its culture. When in the 1950s, in nearby Italy the San Remo Festival, and later in Switzerland, the Eurovision Song Contest came into existence, Malta soon followed suit by organizing its own National Song Festival.

Malta Song Festival
GenrePop music, folk music, classical music, etc.
Location(s)Malta
Years active1960–present
Founded byYoung Christian Workers

Origins and other festivals in Malta

The first Malta Song Festival was organized by the Maltese section of the Young Christian Workers movement in 1960. Out of 72 submissions, 20 were chosen for the two semi-finals. Eventually 10 made it for the final of Saturday 5 November 1960. All shows were held at the Radio City Opera House in Hamrun and were transmitted on the island's cable radio system, now extinct, and then better known as Rediffusion. Eight of the ten songs were sung in Italian, one in English and one in Maltese. Each song had to be presented with two different musical arrangements. It was also a requisite to have two different singers for each song.[1]

On 14 November 1960 RAI TV transmitted a video coverage of the festival in its evenings news bulletin.[2]

As far back as 1960 the organizers of the festival were already planning to send the winner to the "Eurovision Song Contest". But the time was not yet ripe for such a dream to materialise.[3] Malta's television company was not yet a member of the European Broadcasting Union, which was a requirement to participate in the contest.

In December 1961 the same Young Christian Workers movement organized also the first "Festival Ta' Kanzunetti Maltin" (Festival of Maltese Songs)". The songs in this festival were all sung in the Maltese language. Although it was organized again in 1962, but after the 1962 edition, a decision was taken that the "Festival Ta' Kanzunetti Maltin" (Festival of Maltese Songs)" would no longer be held.[4]

In 1963 a decision was taken by the Malta Song Festival Board, that it was no longer feasible to organize two separate festivals. Instead it was decided that every song should be presented on stage in two languages, one of which should in Maltese.[5]

In 1964, the Malta Song Festival was transmitted for the first time on the Malta Television Service on 16, 17 and 21 November. The final results were however announced in a presentation ceremony held and transmitted also on Malta Television on Wednesday 25 November 1964[6]

In 1967, Rediffusion Malta, managed to issue the first long playing album of Maltese compositions, entitled "Malta Song Festival 1967". Joe Grima and Victor Aquilina, then Head of Programmes and Assistant Head of Programmes respectively of Rediffusion Malta, were the producers of this first 33 RPM of Maltese songs. In 1967 and 1968 Rediffusion Malta fully financed the festival.[7]

During the same period the late lyricist and composer from Rabat, Malta, John B. Cassar, who was a pharmacist and a teacher by profession, had set up an enterprise called "Tourist Revues International Malta". They were the organizers of "The Malta International Song Festival"[8] which had nothing to do with the "Malta Song Festival". They also used to organize "Festival Della Canzone Italiana A' Malta". The 1966 edition of this festival was held at the Alhambra Theatre in Sliema and was even recorded and transmitted by RAI TV.[9] In the second edition of the "Malta International Song Festival" held at the Hilton Hotel in St' Julians on the 25 July 1969, David Bowie was one of the participants.[10]

On 17 November 1973 "Jove Enterprises" together with Vanni Pule`, Maryanne Xuereb, John Portelli, Joe P. Portelli and others organized the first edition of the "Folk Song Contest" at the Chameleon Suite of the Corinthia Hotel in Attard. The then Malta Government Tourist Board gave its assistance to the organizers of this festival which was also held in 1975 and 1976.[11]

In 1973, the Youth Travel Circle, a youth organization led by Rev. Fr. Maurice Mifsud., organized the first edition of another festival L-Għanja tal-Poplu (People's Ode Song Contest). The songs of this very popular song festival are all sung in the Maltese Language. Against all odds, L-Għanja tal-Poplu (People's Ode Song Contest) has not only managed to survive, but it has even donned a National perspective. Since the nineties, this festival has been regularly transmitted on local television stations.

In 1986, the "Konkors Kanzunetta Festa San Pawl" was the first song festival ever to be held in a church in Malta. The songs all had a religious theme. The festival was held at the Church of St. Paul in Valletta.[12]

Worthwhile pointing out is the fact that the original organizers of the first editions of the Malta Song Festival, namely the Maltese section of the Young Christian Workers are still very much active in the Malta music scene. In fact, on the 9 and 10 October 2015 they organized the 14th. edition of "Strummin', an annual non-competitive music show incorporating a choir a some 63 guitarists, a band and a group of singers.[13]

Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest
Main article: Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest

In 1970 the Malta Broadcasting Authority decided that, as from 1971, Malta would participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. So the Malta Broadcasting Authority and the Malta Song Festival Board joined forces. On Saturday 28 November 1970, 12 compositions competed in the semi-final to a packed audience in the Grandmaster's Ballroom of the Malta Hilton. Six finalists were chosen with the finals held on 29 January 1971, at the Main Studio of Malta Television Services, now TVM.[14]

In fact in 1971 Joe Grech, by now a four-time winner of this festival, managed to be the first Maltese singer to represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest. Although in 1972 and 1975 Malta participated again in the Eurovision Song Contest, for some very obscure reason in 1973 and 1974 Malta did not participate.

In 1976 the government decided against Malta's participation in the Eurovision. It was only in 1991 that the regular participation of "Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest" was resumed.

1980s and 1990s

In 1981 the organization of the "Malta Song Festival", now known as "Festival Internazzjonali Tal-Kanzunetta Maltija", was taken over by the Ministry of Education and Culture. In the eighties all songs were being sung in the Maltese language and later, a version of the Maltese song was also sung in a foreign language by a foreign artist.

In 1982 the festival was held at Mediterranean Conference Centre between 25 and 28 March 1982. The festival was divided in three categories. Several international singers were invited to take part by singing the festival songs in the language of the foreign participants. Riccardo Fogli and The Tweets, so very well known for their Birdie Song, were the special guests of the 1982 edition.

In 1991, 1992 and 1993 the " Festival Tal-Kanzunetta Maltija" became the venue from which the English version of the winning song would represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest.

In 1994 two versions of the festival were held simultaneously, one section for songs in Maltese, and another section for songs sung in English, with the winning song of the latter section representing Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest.

As from 1995 two distinct festivals were organised, one for songs in Maltese and another for songs to represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest

Up to 2002, the "Festival Internazzjonali Tal-Kanzunetta Maltija", continued to be organized by the Maltese Government, in tandem with another festival whose winner would represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest. But, after 2002, the "Festival Internazzjonali Tal-Kanzunetta Maltija" came to a halt.

On the other hand, the " Malta Song For Europe Festival" continued to be organised year after year. In 2008 the event was renamed Malta EuroSong, but this name was only used for the 2009 and 2010 editions. The event is now known as the Malta Eurovision Song Contest.

The Return

On 24 July 2013 a meeting was held at the Manoel Theatre in Malta where Josette Grech Hamilton, Chairperson of the newly formed Organizing Committee, announced the return, after an absence of 11 years, of the "Festival Internazzjonali Tal-Kanzunetta Maltija". Mro Sigmund Mifsud was chosen as a conductor of a ten-piece band signifying the return of live performances to this festival. The Maltese Government decided to re-introduce its support and assistance to the festival[15]

Norman Hamilton and Robert Cefai, the current President and Secretary General of the World Association of Festivals and Artists, better known as WAFA, were also present. The organising committee consisted also of Ignatius Farrugia, vice-chairperson; Deo Grech, Media Relations; Ray Falzon, Pierre Cachia and Simone Bugeja. Anton Attard served as the PBS consultant to the board.[16]

On 18 September 2013, the 14 finalists out of 62 submissions were announced on TVM.[17] The festival was held on Saturday 9 November 2013 and transmitted live on TVM. Apart from the 14 local singers who made it to the final, there were also 13 international guest singers who competed amongst themselves, with the group Bella Vista of (Germany) winning this section with their song " Fremd Aber Doch Vertrthe" a German version of the 1999 winning song of this festival "Sa L-Ahhar Nifs".

The joy of its return was however short-lived, because in 2014 the "Festival Internazzjonali Tal-Kanzunetta Maltija" has been sent back to limbo. No official communication has been issued about future editions.

On 26 February 2016 at a press conference held in Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta, Mr. Albert Marshall, Chairman of the Malta Arts Council, announced that "L-Ghanja Tal-Poplu-Festival Tal-Kanzunetta Maltija" will be held in July 2016.[18] The festival, under its new format, will now be organised by the committee of L-Għanja tal-Poplu (People's Ode Song Contest), Malta Arts Council, Spazju Kreattiv, and Public Broadcasting Services. It has also the backing of Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture and the management of Pjazza Tejatru Rjal where the festival was held on 7 and 9 July 2016.[19]

Results of the 2016 and consecutive editions can be seen on L-Għanja tal-Poplu.

Back With Grandeur

This festival, now re-branded as Mużika Mużika, and no longer with any connection to L-Għanja tal-Poplu, was held on 18,19,20 March 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was held on TVM. Festivals Malta, together Malta's Public Broadcasting Services were responsible for its organization. The singers in this year's edition, were accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. There were 150 submissions, with 20 making it to the semi-final of 18 March and twelve to the final of 20 March 2021. The edition of Friday 19 March was a non-competitive one where the 20 semi-finalists each sang a Maltese classic song in tandem with a number of Maltese veteran singers.[20]

Mużika Mużika participants

2022
2022 Songs[21]
Song Singer Lyricist Composer
Aħjar Hekk Inkella Agħar MARA Emil Calleja Bayliss Philip Vella
Bla Tarf Kurt Calleja Kurt Calleja Kurt Calleja, Aleandro Spiteri, Peter Borg
Dak Kien Żmien Mykill ft. Lyndsay and Kalakku Lyndsay Pace, Matthew Attard and Michael Cini Micheal Cini
Fittixni Victoria Sciberras Lon Kirkop Gilbert ‘Bibi’ Camilleri
Għal Dejjem Norbert Bondi Norbert Bondi Peter Borg
Ġmielek Claudia Faniello Joe Julian Farrugia Philip Vella
Ħlomt Li Bernie & Pod and Fiona Cauchi Ivan Farrugia Bernard Bonnici and Matteo Depares
Idek F’Idi Kelly Marie Cassar Hili, Janice Debattista Kelly Marie Cassar Hili,
Il-Mużika u Jien Nicole Frendo Hilda Curmi George Curmi
Jien l-Artist Cherylis Pamela Bezzina Pamela Bezzina
Kenn Cheryl Camilleri Joseph Axiak Joseph Axiak
Kewkba Feġġejja Gaia Cauchi Stephen Baldacchino Elton Zarb
Mewġ Bloodline Edwin Balzan, Julia Balzan and Samira Cauchi Glen Vella and Elton Zarb
Mil-Lenti Tiegħi Joseph Refalo Pamela Bezzina Pamela Bezzina
Minn Taħt l-Ilsien Avenue Sky Pamela Bezzina Pamela Bezzina
Ossiġnu Danica Muscat and Kapitlu Tlettax Mario Joseph Calleja and Emil Calleja Bayliss Cyprian Cassar
Purgatorju Oxygyn Kurt Abela Zack Camilleri, Janelle Borg and Luke Camilleri
Tgħidlix Għalfejn Kyle George Clifton Casha Cyprian Cassar
Tkun ‘L Hawn Għaddi Kantera Joe Julian Farrugia Elton Zarb
Wennisni Franklin Calleja Emil Calleja Bayliss Cyprian Cassar

2021
2021 Songs[22]
Song Singer Lyricist Composer
Binti Ian Vella (Janvil) & Jade Vella Roberta Magri Richard Micallef
Fjamma Fabrizio Faniello Emil Calleja Bayliss Philip Vella
Għajejt Inħobb Christian Arding Rita Pace Gilbert 'il-Bibi' Camilleri
Għal Dan il-Lejl Charisse Vassallo Emil Calleja Bayliss. Mark Spiteri Lucas
Għażiż Danica Muscat. Emil Calleja Bayliss. Cyprian Cassar
Ħarsa Biss Glen Vella Joe Julian Farrugia Philip Vella
Ħudni Lura Bernie & Pod Ivan Farrugia Bernard Bonnici
Il-Kitarra u Jien Philip Vella Joe Julian Farrugia Philip Vella
Int Biss Christina Magrin Mark Scicluna Mark Scicluna
Kompli Tbissem Avenue Sky Andy Muscat Glen Vella
L-Ewwel Jien Kantera Joe Julian Farrugia Elton Zarb
Lil Binti Mark Spiteri Lucas Mark Spiteri Lucas Mark Spiteri Lucas
Naħseb Fik Aidan Aidan Aidan
Sinfonija Ħiemda Miguel Bonello Joe Julian Farrugia Aldo Spiteri & Bradley Spiteri
Ta’ Ftit Kliem Ryan Grech Ryan Grech Ryan Grech
Tbissimli Michela Galea Emil Calleja Bayliss. Mark Spiteri Lucas
Teżor Janice Mangion feat. George Curmi Il-Puse’ Emil Calleja Bayliss. Cyprian Cassar & Mark Scicluna
Tista’ MJAW Nikolai Gravino Nikolai Gravino
Vizzju Raquel Galdes Briffa Aiden Aiden
Warajk Franklin Callej Etienne Micallef Dominic Cini

Winners

The following is a non-comprehensive list of the winners of some of the previous editions of the "Malta Song Festival" and of the "Festival Nazzjonali/Internazzjonali Tal-Kanzunetta Maltija". From the list below, it can be seen that only Enzo Gusman and Renato Micallef came First in this festival five times. Enzo Gusman in 1966, 1974, 1976, 1995,and 2000. Renato Micallef also in 1974, and in 1975, 1985, 1986 and 1989.

2010s & 2020s

2000s

1990s

In 1994 two Festivals were held on the same day. There were four runners-up for each section, and only a First Placing was awarded for each section.

Festival Tal-Kanzunetta Maltija (Festival Of Maltese Songs):

    • 1st place: Doreen Galea & Manolito : "Forsi" (written by Ray Mahoney and composed by Sammy Galea)
    • Runners-up: Renato Micallef: "Kellimni Żżommx Il-Bogħod" (written by & Composed by Thelma Zarb)
    • Enzo Gusman: "M'Għadekx Li Kont" (Written by Carmen Gusman & Composed by Enzo Gusman)
    • Mario Caruana: "Bla Kliem Bla Sliem" (Written by Mario Fenech Caruana & Composed by Mario Caruana)
    • Godwin Lucas: "Jekk Tgħid Le" (Written by Joe Friggieri & Composed by Victor Fenech)

Festival Kanzunetta Għall-Ewropa (Song For Europe):

Live Orchestra directed by Mro. George Debono. Comperes: John Bundy & Lucienne Selvagi.

Live Orchestra directed by Mro. Joseph Sammut. Comperes: John Demanuele & Maria Bugeja.

  • 1992 – Venue: Mediterranean Conference Centre Valletta[32]
    • 1st place: Mary Spiteri : "Little Child / Tfajjel Ckejken" (written by Ray Mahoney & Composed Georgina Abela. Arranged by Paul Abela)
    • 2nd place: Moira Stafrace : "Tgħidlix / Don't Throw Our Love Away" (written by Joe Friggieri and composed by Benedict Galea))
    • 3rd place: Mike Spiteri : "Paceville / Lonely People" (written by Alfred C. Sant and composed by Ray Agius)
    • Best Maltese Version: Mike Spiteri : "Paceville / Lonely People" (written by Alfred C. Sant and composed by Ray Agius)
    • Best Interpretation : Helen Micallef
    • Best Personality : Moira Stafrace

Live Orchestra directed by Mro. George Debono. Comperes: Charles Saliba & Anna Bonanno.

  • 1991 –
    • 1st place: Georgina Abela & Paul Giordimaina : "Could It Be / Sejjaħ u Ssibni" (written by Ray Mahoney & Composed by Paul Abela)

1980s
  • 1989
    • 1st place: Renato Micallef & Marisa Vella: "Aħfirli" (written by Alfred C. Sant and composed by Ray Agius)
    • 2nd place : Spectrum  : "Ħamiema Bajda" (written by Ino M. Busuttil and composed by Mario Caruana)
    • 3rd place: Adelina Attard "Il-Mużika" (written and composed by Jose'Micallef)
  • 1986 – Venue : Tignè Sliema[33]
    • 1st place Category A : Renato Micallef : "Il-Karnival Ta’ Malta" (written by and composed by Lino Cauchi)
    • 1st place Category B: Joe George  : "Il-Kuġin Ġiljan" (written and composed by Alfred C. Sant)
    • 1st place Category C: Phylisienne Brincat  : "U Int Jekk Bħali" (written and composed by Frederick Camilleri)
  • 1985
    • 1st place Category A : Renato Micallef & Marisa : "Separju" (written by Alfred C. Sant and composed by Ray Agius)
    • 1st place Category B: Paul Giordimaina  : "Għanja Lill-Omm" (written and composed by Lino Cauchi)
    • 1st place Category C: Mike Spiteri & Mirage : "Kompjuter" (written by Alfred C. Sant and composed by Ray Agius)
  • 1984 (22–24 March)
    • 1st place Category A : Joe Cutajar : "Messaġġ Ta’ Sliem" (written by Cynthia Sammut and composed by Paul Abela)
    • 1st place Category B: Renato Micallef  : "Kenn Is-Sliem" (written and composed by Alfred L. Tanti)
    • 1st place Category C: Mary Spiteri "Li Kieku " (written and composed by Sylvia Sammut)
    • Special prize for the song chosen by the Public: Tony Camilleri "L-Għannej" ( written and composed by Alfred C. Sant)
  • 1983 (24–26 March)
    • 1st place Category A : Ralph Dougall : "Lilek Biss" (written and composed by A. Busuttil)
    • 1st place Category B: Paul Giordimaina  : "Għalxejn" (written and composed by L. Cauchi)
    • 1st place Category C: George Agius : "Ħabib Tinsiex" (written and composed by Doreen Galea)
  • 1982 (25–28 March)
    • Category A (Composers & Authors under 30 years)
    • 1st place: Mary Rose Mallia : "Jekk Trid Il-Hena" (written by Francis Falzon and composed by Ray Cremona)
    • 2nd place: Mary Spiteri  : "Jekk Trid" (written by Doreen Galea and composed by Sammy Galea)
    • 3rd place: Bayzo: "Mużika Mużika" (written by Alfred C. Sant and composed by Paul Abela)
  • 1981
    • 1st place: The Tramps: "Sinjur Ġib il-Paċi" (written by John Ellis and composed by Dominic Grech)
    • 2nd place: Tony Camilleri & Frank O'Neil  : "L-Ittra" (written and composed by Frank O’Neill)
    • 3rd place: Marisa Vella: "Telegramm" (written and composed by Alfred C. Sant)

1970s
  • 1976
    • 1st place: Enzo Gusman : "Tifkiriet Tagħna T-Tnejn" / "Sing Your Song Country Boy" (written by Alfred C. Sant and composed by Ray Agius)
  • 1975 (5 February) – Venue: Malta Television Studios
    • 1st place: Renato Micallef : "Singing This Song" (written by M. Iris Mifsud and composed by Sammy Galea)
      • The following were the 5 semi-finalists of the 1975 edition :
        • "Live For Tomorrow" (Rokna Minn Qalbi) sung by Mary Spiteri (written by Mary Sant and composed by Paul Abela)
        • "A New World" (Dinja Ġdida) sung by Renato Micallef ( written and composed by Joe Ellul)
        • "Try A Little Love Today" (Id F'Id) sung by Mary Spiteri ( written by Mary Morey and composed by Victor Fenech)
        • "Singing This Song" (Idħaq u Ċċajta) sung by Renato Micallef (written by M. Iris Mifsud and composed by Sammy Galea)
        • "Sing A Song Of Love" (L-Għanja Tal-Imħabba) sung by The Greenfields ( written by and composed by Charles Bajada)

This semi-final was held at the Alhambra Cinema in Sliema on Saturday 1 February 1975. The 21-piece orchestra was under the direction of the late Mro Twanny Chircop and Mro Paul Arnaud. Norman Hamilton and Mary Grech were the comperes.[34]

(Renato Micallef represented Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest with this song. It was Malta's third participation in the Eurovision Song Contest and the first time that the song was sung in the English Language.)

(Enzo sang the Maltese version whilst Renato sang the English version.)

(L-Imħabba represented Malta in the 1972 Eurovision Song Contest. It was not sung by the winners but by Joe Cutajar & Helen Micallef)

(Joe Grech represented Malta for the first time in the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest with this song.) (Enzo Gusman with his song "Dlonk Dlonk" obtained the highest number of votes from televoting.)[35]

1960s
  • 1969 (10 August) (The 10th Edition) – Venue: Buskett Roadhouse, Rabat, Malta[36][37]
    • 1st place: Carmen Schembri & Carmelo Borg : "Una Stella Fra Mille" / "Nista' Nib....Mitt Baħar" (written by Victor Zammit and composed by Clement Zammit)
    • 2nd place: The Links & Helen Micallef: "L'Arcobaleno" / "Il-Qawsalla"" (written by V. M. Pellegrini and composed by F. X. Pisani)
    • 3rd place: The Links & Carmen Schembri: "Le Stagioni" / "L-Istaġuni" (written by Albert M. Cassola and composed by L. A. Scolaro)
    • Best Singer Trophy: Joe Cutajar
    • Comperes: Joan Azzopardi & Charles Abela Mizzi
    • Music conducted by Mro. Joseph Vella and Mro. Paul Arnaud.
    • In 1969 Rediffusion Malta Ltd. were not part of the organizing committee of the festival.[38]
  • 1968 (7 December) (The 9th Edition) -Venue; Plaza Theatre, Sliema
    • 1st place: Helen Micallef & Mary Rose Mallia : "Ora Tu Capirai" / "Dalwaqt Tkun Taf" (written by Albert M. Cassola and composed by Carmelo Zammit)
    • 2nd place: Edwin Galea & Joe Bugeja: "Forever More" / "Ma Tintesiex" (written by Ronald V. Abdilla and composed by Georgette Ciappara)
    • 3rd place: Enzo Gusman & The Links: "The Parata" / "Il-Parata Żinn Żinn Żinn" (written by Edwin Vella and composed by F. X. Pisani)
    • Best Singer Trophy: Carmelo Borg
    • Special Guest Singer : Malcolm Roberts
    • Comperes: Mary Grech & Norman Hamilton.
    • Music conducted by Mro. Joseph Sammut.
  • 1967 (9 December) (The 8th Edition)[39] Venue: Radio City Opera House Hamrun[40]
    • 1st place: Joe Grech & Mary Rose Darmanin : "Serenata" / "Serenata" (written by George Zammit and composed by Joseph Ciappara)
    • 2nd place: Marie Therese Vassallo & Doris Curmi: "Bit-Tlikki Tlikki" / "E va va vanno"" (written by Marie Therese Vassallo and composed by Frank Vassallo)
    • 3rd place: Mary Rose Mallia & Tessie Micallef: "Ix-Xorti u L-Imħabba" / "Ogni Volta" (written by George Zammit and composed by Carmelina Zammit)
    • Best Singer Trophy: Tessie Micallef
    • In 1967 the first Long Playing Album of the 12 finalists was published. Special guests present at the festival were Roger Moore, Jean Kent, Oreste Kirkop and Joseph Calleia.[41]
  • 1966 (25,26 & 27 November)(The 7th. Edition)[42] – Venue: Malta Television Studios[43]
    • 1st place: Enzo Gusman[44] & Tessie Micallef:[45] "Tu" / "Int" (written Albert M. Cassola and composed by Carmelo Zammit)
    • 2nd place: Tessie Micallef & Mary Rose Darmanin: "It-Talba" / "La Preghiera" (written by Albert M. Cassola and composed by Carmelo Zammit)[46]
    • 3rd place: Carmen Schembri & Carmelo Borg: "Ma Ninsa Qatt" / "Tu Piangerai" (written by Clemente Zammit and composed by Victor Zammit)[47]
    • Best Singer Trophy: Not awarded because "M.T.V. management refused to provide the panel of judges with a television set. The judges maintained that to vote for the best singer's interpretation they had to be seen and heard."[48]
  • 1965 (25 November) (The 6th. Edition) – Venue: Malta Television Studios[49]
    • 1st place: Tessie Micallef : "Più Non Vorrei" (written by Albert M. Cassola and composed by Carmelo Zammit)
    • 2nd place: The Links & Josephine Debono  : "Pebbles on the Beach" (written by and composed by F. X. Pisani)
    • 3rd.place: Joseph Vella : "Confesso" (written by and composed by Joseph Vella)
  • 1964 (16,17 & 21 November) (The 5th. Edition) – Venue: Malta Television Studios[50]
    • 1st place: Joseph Vella & Carmen Schembri : "Io Che Ti Voglio Così / "Il-Ħlewwa ta' Dawk Għajnejk" (written by and composed by Joseph Vella)
    • 2nd place: Four Links  : "Sei Troppo Bella" (written by and composed by F. X. Pisani)
    • 3rd.place: Joseph Vella & Carmen Schembri : "Amor Sei Tu / Lejl u Nhar" (written by and composed by Joseph Vella)
    • Best Singer Trophy : Carmen Schembri
  • 1963 (12,14 & 24 October) (The 4th. Edition) – Venue: Catholic Institute, Floriana[51]
    • 1st place: Agatha Vassallo & Joe Gatt : "Ci Sposeremo a Maggio" / "L-Għanja Ta' Mħabbitna" (written by Clemente Zammit and composed by Jimmy Pullicino)
    • 2nd place: Clemente Zammit & Camilleri Bros.  : "Prima La Canzone" / "Bgħatt Għasfur Jgħidlek" (written by and composed by Clemente Zammit)
    • 3rd.place: Agatha Vassallo & Frans Fenech : "Ticche Tacche" / "Tluppi Tluppi" (written by and composed by G. Fiorini)
  • 1962 (17,18 & 19 May) (The 3rd. Edition) – Venue: Radio City Opera House, Hamrun[52]
    • 1st place: [Emily Cauchi, Reggie Spiteri & A.E.I.O.U.] : "Poi" (written by Clemente Zammit and composed by Alphonse Vella)
    • 2nd place: The Satellites & Joe Grech  : "Rebbieħa" (written by and composed by J. B. Cassar)
    • 2nd.place: Joseph Vella & Emily Cauchi & Four Stars : "Come Se Mai" (written by and composed by Joseph Vella)

("Rebbieħa", sung in Maltese, & "Come Se Mai" both came in the second place)

  • 1962 (15 December) (The 2nd. Festival of Maltese Songs) – Venue: Radio City Opera House, Hamrun[53]
    • 1st place: Joe Grech & Carmen Schembri : "Żgħażagħ Rebbieħa" (written by and composed by Ivo Galea)
    • 2nd place: Franz Frendo & Grace Said  : "Ġmiel Qaddis" (written by and composed by Saver Pisani)
    • 3rd place: Paul Tanti & Censina Zammit : "Il-Qamar Tal-Maħbubin" (written by and composed by Carmelo zammit)

(Even in 1962 two separate festivals were organized. One for foreign language songs and another one for songs sung in Maltese)

  • 1961 (8,9 & 10 June) (The 2nd. Edition) – Venue: Radio City Opera House, Hamrun[54]
    • 1st place: Emily Cauchi & Reggie Spiteri & AEIOU Choir : "Poi" (written by Clemente Zammit and composed by Alphonse Vella)
    • 2nd place: Four Links & Emily Cauchi  : "Non Piangere Cosi'" (written by and composed by J. B. Cassar)
    • 3rd place: Joseph Vella & Emily Cauchi : "Tutto Di Te" (written by and composed by Joseph Vella)
  • 1961 (14,15 & 16 December) (The 1st Festival of Maltese Songs) – Venue: Radio City Opera House, Hamrun[55]
    • 1st place: Four Links & Terry L. Bencini : "Madonnina Omm Ġesù" (written by and composed by J. B. Cassar)
    • 2nd place: Frans Fenech & Reggie Spiteri  : "Xemx Jew Qamar" (written by and composed by Mro. Jos. Ciappara)
    • 3rd place: AEIOU Choir & Carmen Schembri & Grace Said : "Sparaw Għall-Qamar" (written by and composed by Mro. Jos. Ciappara)

(In 1961 two separate festivals were organized. One for songs sung in a foreign language and another one for songs sung in Maltese)

  • 1960 (5 November) (The 1st. Edition) – Venue: Radio City Opera House, Hamrun[56]
    • 1st place: Joe Grech : "Vola Uccellino" (written by and composed by Joe Grech)
    • 2nd place: Terry L. Bencini & Francis Frendo  : "Primavera in Fior" (written by and composed by Inez Lombardo)
    • 3rd place: Terry L. Bencini & Iris Vella Urso : "Polpo" (written by and composed by Paul Portelli & Gemma Portelli)
    • Best Singer Trophy: Terry L. Bencini
    • Note: The only song in Maltese in this first edition was "L-Għada Tal-Festa" written and composed Joseph Ciappara. It did not place with the finalists.

See also

References
  1. The GO Eurosong 2010, PBS TVM Souvenir Brochure, "The First Malta Song Festival 1960" by Tony Micallef
  2. Noel D'Anastas, Il-Festa 2013, Ghaqda Tal-Muzika San Gejtanu, Hamrun, P.89
  3. Il-Berqa, Minn Korrispondent, date unavailable. Noel D'Anastas, Il-Festa 2013, Ghaqda Tal-Muzika San Gejtanu, Hamrun, P.89
  4. Noel D'Anastas, Il-Festa 2013, Ghaqda Tal-Muzika San Gejtanu, Hamrun, P.90
  5. History of the Malta Song Festival. ZHN Malta Song Festival 1966, Souvenir Booklet
  6. Times of Malta 23 November 1964, 9
  7. Gaetano Abela, Joe Grima, Message From The Organisers, Malta Song Festival 1968, Souvenir Booklet.
  8. The Times of Malta, 24 June 1969, by Fred Barry, Page 11
  9. The Times of Malta, 2 May 1966, 12.
  10. http://www.bowiewonderworld.com/tours/tour58.htm. Retrieved 14Sep2013
  11. Il-Mument, 24 November 2013, page 26, by Noel D'Anastas.
  12. On-Line: "Sit Uffiċċjali tal-Parroċċa San Pawl Nawfragu Valletta - Librerija". Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2014. Accessed 24Aug2014
  13. Strummin' What a Feelin', Show Programme, 9 & 10 October 2015, Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta.
  14. Times of Malta 2 December 1970, 15.
  15. L-Orizzont, 25 July 2013. On-Line: Accessed 26Jul2013
  16. On-Line: http://www.wafainternational.com/PMProfile.aspx?id=P200999330356. Retrieved 22July2013
  17. http://tvm.com.mt/news/2013/09/finalists-for-festival-internazzjonali-tal-kanzunetta-maltija-2013-announced/ Accessed 18Sep2013
  18. PBS – TVM.COM.MT On-Line : http://www.tvm.com.mt/en/news/l-40-edizzjoni-tal-40th-edition-of-ghanja-tal-poplu-in-collaboration-with-pbsghanja-tal-poplu-bkollaborazzjoni-mal-pbs/ Retrieved 10 April 2016
  19. escflasmalta On-Line: http://www.escflashmalta.com/index.php/music-news/local-music-scene-news/item/4362-ghtp-2016-rules-and-regulations-published. Retrieved 10April2016
  20. TVM.COM.Mt 14 March 2021 by Keith Demicoli : on-line: Mużika Mużika back with grandeur – festival to be held according to Covid measures https://www.tvm.com.mt/en/news/muzika-muzika-back-with-grandeur-festival-to-be-held-according-to-covid-measures/ Retrieved 21March2021
  21. Mużika, Mużika (15 November 2021). "Jitħabbru s-Semifinalisti Għal Mużika Mużika 2022". Muzika_Muzika. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  22. "WATCH: The 20 Semi-Finalists for Mużika Mużika – Festival Kanzunetta Maltija Have Been Announced!". 89.7 Bay. 4 December 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  23. Gianluca Bezzina wins third edition of Mużika Mużika TVM News 26 March 2023 On-Line: https://tvmnews.mt/en/news/gianluca-bezzina-wins-third-edition-of-muzika-muzika/ Retrieved 26 March 2023
  24. ‘Bla Tarf’ wins the second edition of Mużika Mużika, The Independent Sunday 24 April 2022. On-Line https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2022-04-24/local-news/Bla-Tarf-wins-the-second-edition-of-Muzika-Muzika-6736242426 Retrieved 26 April 2022
  25. TVM News: https://www.tvm.com.mt/en/news/muzika-muzika-twelve-finalists-announced/ Accessed 22 March 2021.
  26. Muzika Muzika ĦARSA BISS Tirbaħ Mużika Mużika 2021 On-Line : https://www.muzikamuzika.org/post/%C4%A7arsa-biss-tirba%C4%A7-mu%C5%BCika-mu%C5%BCika-2021 Retrieved: 21 March 2021
  27. Muzika Muzika ĦARSA BISS Tirbaħ Mużika Mużika 2021 On-Line : https://www.muzikamuzika.org/post/%C4%A7arsa-biss-tirba%C4%A7-mu%C5%BCika-mu%C5%BCika-2021 Retrieved: 21 March 2021
  28. TVM News: http://www.tvm.com.mt/news/olivia-lewis-rebbieha-tal-festival-kanzunetta-maltija/ Accessed 12 November 2013.
  29. The Times, 29 October 2002, On-Line: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20021029/local/lawrence-gray-wins-song-festival.164001. Retrieved 19July2013
  30. Video Recording of Final Results : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipUBByhi72o
  31. Video Recording of Final Results: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfm-cP_7Dc8
  32. Video Recording of Final Results: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNmjcAjqaDQ
  33. Radju Malta : Alfred C. Sant talking to Tony Micallef on "Kliem u Kant"
  34. The Times, Wednesday 5 September 1975, page 7.
  35. Radio Malta 2 " Kliem u Kant" 5–6 February 2016. Enzo Gusman interviewed by Tony Micallef.
  36. Times of Malta, Tuesday 12 August 1969,9.
  37. Malta Song Festival 1969 Programme Souvenir
  38. Malta Song Festival 1969 Programme Souvenir
  39. Times of Malta, Monday 11 December 1967,16.
  40. Malta Song Festival 1969 Programme Souvenir
  41. Malta Song Festival 1969 Programme Souvenir
  42. ŻĦN Malta Song Festival 1966, Souvenir Booklet.
  43. Malta Song Festival 1969 Programme Souvenir
  44. Electro Records, INT (You), 45 rpm, ES.106 Side A
  45. ŻĦN Malta Song Festival 1966, Souvenir Booklet.
  46. Malta Song Festival 1969 Programme Souvenir
  47. Malta Song Festival 1969 Programme Souvenir
  48. Malta Song Festival 1969 Programme Souvenir
  49. History Of the Malta Song Festival. ŻĦN Malta Song Festival 1966, Souvenir Booklet
  50. History Of the Malta Song Festival. ŻĦN Malta Song Festival 1966, Souvenir Booklet.
  51. History of the Malta Song Festival. ŻĦN Malta Song Festival 1966, Souvenir Booklet.
  52. History of the Malta Song Festival. ŻĦN Malta Song Festival 1966, Souvenir Booklet.
  53. History of the Malta Song Festival. ŻĦN Malta Song Festival 1966, Souvenir Booklet
  54. History of the Malta Song Festival. ŻĦN Malta Song Festival 1966, Souvenir Booklet.
  55. History of the Malta Song Festival. ŻĦN Malta Song Festival 1966, Souvenir Booklet
  56. Gwida, No. 8, 21–27 February 2010, 50 Sena ilu..L-Ewwel Malta Song, minn Tony Micallef
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