The second edition of Mużika Mużika came to an end following a three-night celebration of local talent and Maltese music. The much anticipated second edition was welcomed with positive feedback from both televiewers and audience members who were present at MFCC, Ta’ Qali. At the end of the final night, the song ‘Bla Tarf’ interpreted by Kurt Calleja, penned by Kurt Calleja and composed by Kurt Calleja, Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur, and Peter Borg was crowned winner of the second edition of Mużika Mużika.
‘Tkun ‘l Hawn Għaddi’, interpreted by Kantera, penned by Joe Julian Farrugia and composed by Elton Zarb came in second. ‘Ġmielek’, interpreted by Claudia Faniello, penned by Joe Julian Farrugia and composed by Philip Vella placed third. The festival also showed recognition for the songs with the Best Musical Arrangement and Best Interpretation, awarded to Aurelio Belli and Avenue Sky respectively.
Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici congratulated the organising team and PBS for their technical work for this remarkable event in preparation for the festival.
“This festival celebrates the beauty of Maltese music. We shall continue working so that this festival gains more popularity and keeps the annual appointment. We need to ensure that more Maltese artists have opportunities to build a professional musical career”, said the minister.
“I am sure that these were three unforgettable nights of Malta’s high level of talent”, he concluded.
Mużika Mużika Chairman Raymond Bugeja said that, “Like last year, the level of songs competing in Mużika Mużika was impeccable. All artists, composers, and authors were fully committed during the many months of preparation in anticipation of this festival. We have much to be proud of when it comes to local talent.”
Festivals Malta Chairman Norman Hamilton stated that Festivals Malta has once again proven that it can produce high calibre events. “The festival has been lauded as one of the highest standards by all its viewers and participants. This is a testament to the level of excellence Festivals Malta can achieve.”
“With Mużika Mużika, Festivals Malta has once again raised the bar for the production of events. I would like to thank all Festivals Malta staff for their relentless commitment, dedication, and hard work. It is only thanks to their great teamwork that such high level of excellence could be achieved. I would also like to thank all the artists, composers, and authors for believing in us and for trusting us with their music. We are proud and honoured to have been the ones to bring back this prestigious festival to life and it is safe to say that Mużika Mużika is here to stay”, concluded Festivals Malta CEO, Annabelle Stivala.
Festivals Malta, together with the board of Mużika Mużika and the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, would like to thank all those that were involved in this production and would like to express profound gratitude to the Maltese public for their support.
The winning songs are:
FIRST PLACE:
Song: BLA TARF
Singer: Kurt Calleja
Composer: Kurt Calleja, Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur, and Peter Borg
Author: Kurt Calleja
Monetary Prize*: €20,000
SECOND PLACE:
Song: TKUN ‘L HAWN GĦADDI
Singer: Kantera
Composer: Elton Zarb
Author: Joe Julian Farrugia
Monetary Prize*: €10,000
THIRD PLACE:
Song: ĠMIELEK
Singer: Claudia Faniello
Composer: Philip Vella
Author: Joe Julian Farrugia
Monetary Prize*: €5,000
BEST MUSICAL ARRANGEMENT:
Song: TKUN ‘L HAWN GĦADDI
Arrangement: Aurelio Belli
Singer: Kantera
Composer: Elton Zarb
Author: Joe Julian Farrugia
BEST INTERPRETATION:
Song: MINN TAĦT L-ILSIEN
Singer: Avenue Sky
Composer: Pamela Bezzina
Author: Pamela Bezzina
