Although

Malta Malta ( , , ), officially the Republic of Malta ( mt, Repubblika ta' Malta ), is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of an archipelago, between Italy and Libya, and is often considered a part of Southern Europe. It lies ...

is a small island in the middle of the

Mediterranean Sea The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the Mediterranean Basin and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Western and Southern Europe and Anatolia, on the south by North Africa, and on the ...

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 The Sanremo Music Festival, officially the Italian Song Festival () and commonly known as just (), is the most popular Italian song contest and awards ceremony, held annually in the city of Sanremo, Liguria. It is the longest-running annual ...

, and later in Switzerland, the Eurovision Song Contest came into existence,

soon followed suit by organizing its own National Song Festival.

Origins and other festivals in Malta

The first Malta Song Festival was organized by the Maltese section of the

Young Christian Workers The Young Christian Workers (YCW; french: Jeunesse ouvrière chrétienne) is an international organization founded by Rev. Joseph Cardijn in Belgium as the Young Trade Unionists; the organization adopted its present name in 1924. Its French acronym ...

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 Hamrun (; ) is a town in the Southern Region of Malta, with a population of 9,244 as of March 2014. The people The townspeople are traditionally known as ''Tas-Sikkina'' (literally meaning 'of the knife' or 'those who carry a knife') or as '' ...

and were transmitted on the island's cable radio system, now extinct, and then better known as

Rediffusion Rediffusion was a business that distributed radio and TV signals through wired relay networks. The business gave rise to a number of other companies, including Associated-Rediffusion, later known as Rediffusion London, the first ITV ( commer ...

. 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. On 14 November 1960

RAI RAI – Radiotelevisione italiana (; commercially styled as Rai since 2000; known until 1954 as Radio Audizioni Italiane) is the national public broadcasting company of Italy, owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. RAI operates many ter ...

TV transmitted a video coverage of the festival in its evenings news bulletin. 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. 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

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. 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. 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 In 1967,

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

Malta, were the producers of this first

33 RPM The LP (from "long playing" or "long play") is an analog sound storage medium, a phonograph record format characterized by: a speed of rpm; a 12- or 10-inch (30- or 25-cm) diameter; use of the "microgroove" groove specification; and ...

of Maltese songs. In 1967 and 1968

Malta fully financed the festival. During the same period the late lyricist and composer from

Rabat, Malta Rabat ( mt, Ir-Rabat, ) is a town in the Northern Region of Malta, with a population of 11,497 as of March 2014. It adjoins the ancient capital city of Mdina, and a north-western area formed part of the Roman city of Melite until its mediev ...

, 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" 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 Sliema ( mt, Tas-Sliema ) is a town located on the northeast coast of Malta in the Northern Harbour District. It is a major residential and commercial area and a centre for shopping, bars, dining, and café life. It is also the most densely po ...

and was even recorded and transmitted by

TV. 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 David Robert Jones (8 January 194710 January 2016), known professionally as David Bowie ( ), was an English singer-songwriter and actor. A leading figure in the music industry, he is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the ...

was one of the participants. 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 Attard ( mt, Ħ'Attard) is a town in the Central Region of Malta. Together with Balzan and Lija it forms part of " the Three Villages" and has been inhabited since the Classical Period. It has a population of 12,268 as of 2021. Attard's trad ...

. The then Malta Government Tourist Board gave its assistance to the organizers of this festival which was also held in 1975 and 1976. In 1973, the

Youth Travel Circle Youth Travel Circle is Maltese youth organisation for people between ages of 16 and 30. It's mostly known for organising annual music festival L-Ghanja tal-Poplu and for running Verdala Youth Hostel. History Youth Travel Circle (YTC) was found ...

, 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 Maltese ( mt, Malti, links=no, also ''L-Ilsien Malti'' or '), is a Semitic language derived from late medieval Sicilian Arabic with Romance superstrata spoken by the Maltese people. It is the national language of Malta and the only offic ...

. 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 Valletta (, mt, il-Belt Valletta, ) is an administrative unit and capital of Malta. Located on the main island, between Marsamxett Harbour to the west and the Grand Harbour to the east, its population within administrative limits in 2014 wa ...

. 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

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.

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. In fact in 1971

Joe Grech Joseph "Joe" Grech, (born 9 February 1934) is a Maltese singer, who was born in Cospicua, Malta. He is best known for introducing the Maltese language to the Eurovision Song Contest 1971, the first appearance from Malta on this pan-European te ...

, 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

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 The Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC, mt, Dar il-Mediterran għall-Konferenzi) is a conference centre in Valletta, Malta. The building was built as a hospital in the 16th century by the Order of St. John, and it was known as the Sacra Inferm ...

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 Riccardo Fogli (born 21 October 1947 in Pontedera, Province of Pisa, Italy) is an Italian singer. Biography Early career Riccardo Fogli was born on 21 October 1947 in Pontedera. He was fond of music since his childhood and taught himself to pla ...

and

The Tweets The "Chicken Dance", also known and recorded as Der Ententanz, Tchip Tchip, Vogerltanz, the Bird Song, the Chicken Song, the Birdie Song, the Bird Dance, Danse des Canards, the Duck Dance, El Baile de los Pajaritos, Il Ballo del Qua Qua, Check O ...

, so very well known for their

Birdie Song The "Chicken Dance", also known and recorded as Der Ententanz, Tchip Tchip, Vogerltanz, the Bird Song, the Chicken Song, the Birdie Song, the Bird Dance, Danse des Canards, the Duck Dance, El Baile de los Pajaritos, Il Ballo del Qua Qua, Check O ...

, 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 Malta has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 34 times since its debut in . The contest is broadcast in Malta on the PBS channel, TVM. Malta has yet to win the contest, but is the only non-winning country to have achieved four top th ...

. 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

. As from 1995 two distinct festivals were organised, one for songs in Maltese and another for songs to represent

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

. 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 Malta ( , , ), officially the Republic of Malta ( mt, Repubblika ta' Malta ), is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of an archipelago, between Italy and Libya, and is often considered a part of Southern Europe. It lies ...

The Return

On 24 July 2013 a meeting was held at the

Manoel Theatre ( Maltese for "Manoel Theatre"; it, Teatro Manoel) is a theatre and important performing arts venue in Malta. The theatre is often referred to as simply "The Manoel", and is named after Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Hospitaller, Fr ...

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 Sigmund Mifsud is a trumpeter, musical director, arranger, and concert producer from Malta. Education and early years Sigmund Mifsud began his musical education playing the trumpet with the Sliema Band Club at age 11, and he continued his study o ...

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 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. On 18 September 2013, the 14 finalists out of 62 submissions were announced on TVM. 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

, 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. 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 Public Broadcasting Services Limited (PBS) is the public broadcaster of Malta. PBS is funded by government grants and the sale of commercial airtime. Its TVM channel is Malta's most watched television channel, and its radio station Magic Malt ...

. 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. 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 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by a virus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first known case was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease quickly ...

restrictions, it was held on TVM. Festivals Malta, together Malta's

were responsible for its organization. The singers in this year's edition, were accompanied by the

Malta Philharmonic Orchestra The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra is recognized as Malta’s foremost musical institution. Founded in 1968 as the Manoel Theatre Orchestra, in September 1997 it became an independent body and was officially named as Malta's national orchestra. In ...

. 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.

Mużika Mużika participants

2022

2021

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 Enzo Gusman, also known as Laurence (9 August 1947 – 18 December 2021) was a Maltese singer born in Sliema, Malta.Maltese Biographies Of The Twentieth Century, Albert G. Storace, Malta 1997, p. 341 It was Malta's late comic actor Johnnie Nava ...

and

Renato Micallef Renato Micallef (born 19 November 1951) is a Maltese pop singer. His full name is Nazzareno Alessandro Micallef Garrett. Renato has been active in the Maltese music scene since the age of 12. Renato has toured North America, Australia and the ...

came First in this festival five times.

in 1966, 1974, 1976, 1995,and 2000.

also in 1974, and in 1975, 1985, 1986 and 1989.

2010s & 2020s

*2023 (23-25 March 2023) – Venue:

Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre The Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre (also known as MFCC) is a multi-purpose venue located in Ta' Qali, Attard, Malta. The centre can be used for concerts, exhibitions, trade fairs, examinations, conferences, galas and weddings. After its expansion ...

Ta' Qali Ta' Qali is a wide open space in the limits of Attard and Mosta in central and northern Malta respectively, which contains the national football stadium, the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre, Ta' Qali National Park, a crafts village, and a natio ...

**1st place

Gianluca Bezzina Gianluca Bezzina (born 9 November 1989) is a Maltese medical doctor and part-time singer who represented Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö, Sweden. Biography Gianluca Bezzina was born in 1989 in Qrendi, Malta. He is the thi ...

: "Sabiħa" (written by

Joe Julian Farrugia Joe Julian Farrugia (born 9 April 1962) is a writer, songwriter and broadcaster from Malta. He was born in Gzira but moved to Paola at the age of 5. He is the youngest sibling and only son of Francis and Beatrix. He attended St. Paul's Mission ...

and composed by

Philip Vella Philip Vella is a Maltese musical composer. He has won the main national festivals of Malta several times such as the Malta Song for Europe, International Festival of Maltese Song ( Malta Song Festival) as well as L-Għanja tal-Poplu festival. He ...

) **2nd place Drakard & Lisa Gauci : "Jekk Mhux Inti" (written by Emil Calleja Bayliss and composed by Cyprian Cassar) **3rd place: Jasmine Abela : "M'Hawnx Bħalek" (written by

and composed by

Glen Vella Glen Vella (born 14 May 1983) is a Maltese singer. He started his singing career at the age of 13. He studied both practical and theory in voice and piano. He is certificated in voice coaching from the Victoria Music and Arts College London. Gle ...

) ** Best Musical Arrangement : Ryan Abela ** Best Interpretation : Jasmine Abela *2022 (21-23 April 2022) – Venue:

**1st place

Kurt Calleja Kurt Calleja (; born 5 May 1989) is a Maltese singer. He represented Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku, Azerbaijan with the song "This Is the Night". The song qualified from the second semi-final into the Eurovision final, wher ...

: "Bla Tarf" (written by

and composed by

, Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur and Peter Borg) **2nd place Kantera : "Tkun 'l Hawn Għaddi" (written by

and composed by Elton Zarb) **3rd place:

Claudia Faniello Claudia Faniello (born 25 February 1988) is a Maltese singer. She represented Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with the song "Breathlessly" She came 3rd with the song Gmielek in the maltese festival MuzikaMuzika 2022 Biography Earl ...

: "Ġmielek" (written by

and composed by

) ** Best Musical Arrangement : Aurelio Belli ** Best Interpretation : Avenue Sky *2021 (18-20 March 2021) – Venue:

**1st place Glenn Vella : "Ħarsa Biss" (written by

and composed by

) **2nd place Christian Arding : "Għajjejt Inħobb" (written by Rita Pace and composed by Gilbert Bibi' Camilleri) **3rd place: Kantera : "L-Ewwel Jiena" (written by

and composed by Elton Zarb) **1st in Televoting : Glenn Vella : "Ħarsa Biss" (written by

and composed by

) ** Best Musical Arrangement : Norbert Camilleri :"Sinfonija Ħiemda" ** Best Interpretation: Christian Arding : "Għajjejt Inħobb" *2013 (9 November) – Venue:

**1st place

Olivia Lewis Olivia Lewis (born 18 October 1978) is a singer from Qormi, Malta. She has competed in the Malta Song For Eurovision festival, which selects the country's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest several times. At her 11th attempt she finally ...

: "Hawn Mill-Ġdid" (written by

and composed by Paul Abela) **2nd place Mark Tonna : "Poeta Bla Kliem" (written by Emil Calleja Bayliss and composed by Mark Scicluna) **1st in Televoting : Geordie : "Kuraġġ" (written by Joe Chircop and composed by

)

2000s

*2002 – Venue:

**1st place Lawrence Gray : "Eklissi" (written by Godwin Sant and composed by

) **2nd place (and 1st in Televoting): Julie & Ludwig : "Adagio" (written by Ray Mahoney and composed by Rene’ Mamo) **3rd place:

: "Ħolm u Realtà" (written by Fleur Balzan and composed by Paul Giordimaina) *2001 – Venue:

**1st place:

Georgina Abela Georgina Abela (born 23 April 1959) is a Maltese singer and musician. She is best known for representing Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest on several occasions, either as an entrant, backing vocalist or composer. She is married to fellow compos ...

: "Fomm Il-Vjolin" (written by Deo Grech and composed by Andrew Zahra) **2nd place:

Ira Losco Ira Losco M.Q.R. (born 31 July 1981) is a Maltese pop singer. Her career breakthrough came in 2002, when she represented Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 2002 with the song "7th Wonder". She placed second in the competition, Malta's best ...

: "Ingawdu ż-Żgħożija" (written by Ray Agius and composed by Ray Agius) **3rd place:

& Paul Giordimaina : "Ma Jifred Ħadd" (written by Fleur Balzan and composed by Paul Giordimaina) *2000 – Venue:

**1st place:

: "Nittama" (written and composed by

) **2nd place:

& Eleonor Cassar: "Meta Naf Li Inti Tħobbni" (written by Paul Ellul and composed by Chan Vella) **3rd place: Paul Giordimaina : "Kliem" (written by Fleur Balzan and composed by Paul Giordimaina)

1990s

*1999 – Venue:

**1st place:

Fabrizio Faniello Fabrizio Faniello (born 27 April 1981) is a Maltese pop singer. He represented Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2001 and 2006. Family Fabrizio Faniello is the eldest of three children born to Vincenzo and Anna Faniello. He has two ...

: "Sa L-Aħħar Nifs" (written by Alfred C. Sant and composed by Ray Agius) **2nd place:

: "Ħallini Nħobbok" (written by Joe Chircop and composed by Paul Abela) **3rd place:

Miriam Christine Miriam Christine Borg is a Maltese pop and rhythm and blues singer best known for representing Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 1996. Miriam Christine was born in Santo Antônio do Descoberto, Goiás, Brazil but raised on the Mediterrane ...

: "Triq Oħra’" (written by

and composed by Miriam Christine Borg) *1998 – Venue: Gozo **1st place:

Lawrence Gray Lawrence Gray (July 28, 1898 – February 2, 1970) was an American actor of the 1920s and 1930s. Biography Born in San Francisco in 1898, Gray served during World War I in the U. S. Navy and gained a commission. After the war he began i ...

: "Min Jaf Għalfejn" (written by

and composed by Ray Agius) **2nd place:

& Adelina Attard : "Għal Xulxin" (written by Sunny Aquilina and composed by Jason Cassar) **3rd place:

Debbie Scerri Deborah (Debbie) Scerri (born on 25 March 1969 in Toronto) is a Maltese television presenter and singer. She represented Malta in the European Union, Malta and Cyprus Song Festival in 1994, held in Thessaloniki. She also represented Malta in the ...

: "Il-Bogħod Mid-Dlam’" (written by Jason Xuereb and composed by Jason Xuereb) *1997 – Venue: Gozo **1st place: Catherine Vigar : "Min Jaf Għaliex" (written by Joe Chircop and composed by Paul Abela) **2nd place:

Claudette Pace Claudette Buttigieg (née Pace, 8 February 1968) is a Maltese member of parliament, Deputy Speaker, and former TV presenter and singer. Personal life and Eurovision Song Contest Born in Naxxar, she won the Malta Song For Europe festival in Januar ...

: "Għix Biss Għal-Lum" (written by Ray Agius and composed by Ray Agius) **3rd place:

: "Nersaq Lejk" (written by

and composed by Paul Abela) *1996 – Venue: Open Theatre,

**1st place: Alfred Rapa : "Ċensu l-Malti u Katarin" (written by Alfred Rapa and composed by Alfred Rapa) **2nd place:

: "Stress" (written by Mario Fenech Caruana and composed by

) **3rd place:

: "Djarju" (written by Godwin Sant and composed by Vince Buhagiar) *1995 – Venue: Open Theatre,

**1st place:

John Bundy & Tony Camilleri : "Din Għalikom...Il-Ħbieb Tiegħi" (written by

and composed by

) **2nd place: Godwin Lucas : "Il-Gżira Tal-Imħabba" (written by Joe Friggieri and composed by Victor Fenech) **3rd place:

: "Int Tajtni Idek" (written by Julie Brincat and composed by

) *1994 – Venue:

''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:

: "Kellimni Żżommx Il-Bogħod" (written by & Composed by Thelma Zarb) **

: "M'Għadekx Li Kont" (Written by Carmen Gusman & Composed by

) ** 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)'': **1st place:

Chris & Moira Chris & Moira were a Maltese duo, formed by Moira Stafrace and Christopher Scicluna. They were best known for representing Malta in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. Life and career Stafrace was born in Malta in 1970. At the age of 12 she started ...

: " More than Love" (written by Moira Stafrace & Composed Chris Scicluna) **Runners-up: Phyllisienne Brincat: "Tell Me Why" (written by Frederick Camilleri & Composed by Margaret Camilleri) **

: "Shadow Of A Dream" (Written & Composed by Laurence Spiteri) **

: "Remember The Beginning" (Written & Composed by

) ** Ray Caruana: "Scarlet Song" ( Written by Ray Mahoney & Composed by Dominic Galea) Live Orchestra directed by Mro. George Debono. Comperes: John Bundy & Lucienne Selvagi. *1993 – Venue:

**1st place:

William Mangion William Mangion (born 24 August 1958 in Naxxar) is a Maltese singer, best known for presenting Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 1993 The Eurovision Song Contest 1993 was the 38th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. It took place in ...

& Choir : This Time / Issa" (written by

& Jesmond Tedesco and composed by

) **2nd place: Marita, Jon Lukas & Friends : "Love We Share/ Għannaqni" (written and composed by Lukas Agius)) **3rd place: Alexander Schembri : "F'Mument / Woman" (written by Doris Chetcuti and composed by

) **Best Interpretation :

Live Orchestra directed by Mro. Joseph Sammut. Comperes: John Demanuele & Maria Bugeja. *1992 – Venue:

**1st place:

Mary Spiteri Mary Spiteri (born 25 October 1947) is a Maltese singer and television personality from Naxxar. She has participated in various national and international music festivals, one of which she came third when representing Malta in the Eurovision Son ...

: " Little Child / Tfajjel Ckejken" (written by Ray Mahoney & Composed

. 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:

& Paul Giordimaina : " Could It Be / Sejjaħ u Ssibni" (written by Ray Mahoney & Composed by Paul Abela)

1980s

*1989 **1st place:

& 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 b
Jose'Micallef
*1986 – Venue : Tignè Sliema **1st place Category A :

: "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 :

& 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:

: "Kenn Is-Sliem" (written and composed by Alfred L. Tanti) **1st place Category C:

"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:

: "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:

: "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:

: "

Singing This Song Singing is the act of creating musical sounds with the voice. A person who sings is called a singer, artist or vocalist (in jazz and/or popular music). Singers perform music (arias, recitatives, songs, etc.) that can be sung with or without ...

" (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

(written by Mary Sant and composed by Paul Abela) ****"A New World" (Dinja Ġdida) sung by

( 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

(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

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. ''(

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.)'' *1974 **1st place:

: "Paċi Fid-Dinja" / "Peace to the World" (written and composed by

) (Enzo sang the Maltese version whilst Renato sang the English version.) *1972 **1st place: Carmen Vella & Mary Rose Mallia : " L-Imħabba" (written Albert M. Cassola and composed by

Charles Camilleri Charles Camilleri (7 September 1931 – 3 January 2009) was a Maltese composer. Early life Camilleri was born in Ħamrun and, as a teenager, composed many works based on folk music and legends of his native Malta. Career Camilleri moved fro ...

) ''( L-Imħabba represented Malta in the 1972 Eurovision Song Contest. It was not sung by the winners but by Joe Cutajar & Helen Micallef)'' *1971 (29 January) – Venue: Studios of Malta Television **1st place:

& The Links : "

Marija l-Maltija The Eurovision Song Contest 1971 was the 16th edition of the annual Eurovision Song Contest. It took place in Dublin, Ireland, following the country's victory at the with the song "All Kinds of Everything" by Dana. Organised by the European ...

" (written Charles Mifsud and composed by

) ''(

represented Malta for the first time in the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest with this song.)'' ''(

with his song "Dlonk Dlonk" obtained the highest number of votes from televoting.)''

1960s

*1969 (10 August) ''(The 10th Edition)'' – Venue: Buskett Roadhouse,

**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 The Links is an American invitation-only social and service organization of prominent Black women in the United States. Founded in 1946, it is the largest nationwide organization of Black women in the USA. Members include multiple prominent wome ...

& 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

Malta Ltd. were not part of the organizing committee of the festival. *1968 (7 December) ''(The 9th Edition)'' -Venue; Plaza Theatre,

**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:

: "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)'' Venue: Radio City Opera House

**1st place:

& 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 Jean Kent (born Joan Mildred Field; 29 June 1921 − 30 November 2013) was an English film and television actress. Biography Born Joan Mildred Field (sometimes incorrectly cited as Summerfield) in Brixton, London in 1921, the only child of va ...

, Oreste Kirkop and

Joseph Calleia Joseph Calleia ( ; born Joseph Alexander Caesar Herstall Vincent Calleja, August 4, 1897 – October 31, 1975) was a Maltese-born American actor and singer on the stage and in films, radio and television. After serving in the British Transport ...

. *1966 ''(25,26 & 27 November)(The 7th. Edition)'' – Venue: Malta Television Studios **1st place:

& Tessie Micallef: "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) **3rd place: Carmen Schembri & Carmelo Borg: "Ma Ninsa Qatt" / "Tu Piangerai" (written by Clemente Zammit and composed by Victor Zammit) ** 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." *1965 (25 November) ''(The 6th. Edition)'' – Venue: Malta Television Studios **1st place: Tessie Micallef : "Più Non Vorrei" (written by Albert M. Cassola and composed by Carmelo Zammit) **2nd place:

& 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 **1st place: Joseph Vella & Carmen Schembri : "Io Che Ti Voglio Così" (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" (written by and composed by Joseph Vella) *1963 (12,14 & 24 October) ''(The 4th. Edition)'' – Venue: Catholic Institute,

Floriana Floriana ( mt, Il-Furjana or ''Il-Floriana''), also known by its title Borgo Vilhena, is a fortified town in the South Eastern Region area of Malta, just outside the capital city Valletta. It has a population of 2,205 as of March 2014. Floriana ...

**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,

**1st place: mily Cauchi, Reggie Spiteri & A.E.I.O.U.: "Poi" (written by Clemente Zammit and composed by Alphonse Vella) **2nd place: The Satellites &

: "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,

**1st place:

& 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,

**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,

**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,

Gwida, No. 8, 21–27 February 2010, 50 Sena ilu..L-Ewwel Malta Song, minn Tony Micallef **1st place:

: "Vola Uccellino" (written by and composed by

) **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.

References

{{reflist Music festivals in Malta 1960 establishments in Malta Music festivals established in 1960

Origins and other festivals in Malta

Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest

1980s and 1990s

The Return

Back With Grandeur

Mużika Mużika participants

2022

2021

Winners

2010s & 2020s

2000s

1990s

1980s

1970s

1960s

See also

References