The third edition of Mużika Mużika ended successfully after three spectacular nights of Maltese music. This year, the festival had a total of around 300,000 viewers across the three shows and around 6,500 attendees. During the final, on Saturday, March 25, it was announced that the song ‘Sabiħa’ performed by Gianluca Bezzina and composed by Philip Vella and written by Joe Julian Farrugia, had won the third edition of Mużika Mużika.
The song ‘Jekk Mhux Int’, performed by Drakard and Lisa Gauci, written by Emil Calleja Bayliss and composed by Cyprian Cassar, ranked second, and the song ‘M’hawnx Bħalek’, performed by Jasmine Abela, written by Philip Vella, and composed by Glen Vella, ranked third. During the festival, Maestro Ryan Paul Abela was also recognised for Best Musical Arrangement, and Jasmin Abela won the Best Interpretation award.
Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, said that the Mużika Mużika festival celebrates the beauty of the Maltese language.
Minister Bonnici expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in making this event an unforgettable experience and especially to those who achieved success in this edition.
“We are determined to continue building on these achievements to provide extraordinary experiences for Maltese and Gozitan families while also providing opportunities for our artists and composers,” said Minister Bonnici.
Festivals Malta Chairman Aaron Zahra said that he is extremely satisfied with the festival’s great success. “Festivals Malta has once again exceeded all expectations. We saw a production of the highest level, which could not have been possible without the hard workers at Festivals Malta, the team of technicians, collaborators, and artists who worked hard for several months to make this festival a success. As the national agency for festivals, we are committed to continuing to raise the level of our festivals and events to reach new goals every year. Now it’s time to continue working on the upcoming summer festivals; we have an exciting calendar of events that will surely appeal to everyone’s tastes.”
“Through Mużika Mużika, Festivals Malta is investing in our heritage by enriching the repertoire of Maltese music with a contribution of 20 new songs every year. This makes me proud because Festivals Malta is being an ambassador for our beautiful language. I would like to thank everyone who in one way or another contributed to this festival”, added Festivals Malta CEO Annabelle Stivala.
Mużika Mużika Chairman Raymond Bugeja said, “The level of the songs was phenomenal this year. The commitment and professionalism of the artists, composers, and authors were evident throughout the festival. The Maltese talent is truly astounding, and we really have something to be proud of.”
“We had a spectacular show during the past three days. The standard keeps rising every year, and I could not be prouder of this year’s talented singers, composers, and authors. I wish to congratulate all the artists, especially this year’s winner. I will anxiously await the next edition, which will surely be a phenomenal one,” concluded Artistic Director Paul Abela.
Festivals Malta, together with the Mużika Mużika Board and the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, thank all those who in one way or another were involved in this production and express their gratitude to the Maltese public who support this festival with enthusiasm.
The winning songs are:
FIRST PLACE:
Song: SABIĦA
Singer: Gianluca Bezzina
Composer: Philip Vella
Author: Joe Julian Farrugia
Monetary Prize*: €20,000
SECOND PLACE:
Song: JEKK MHUX INT
Singer: Drakard u Lisa Gauci
Composer: Cyprian Cassar
Author: Emil Calleja Bayliss
Monetary Prize*: €10,000
THIRD PLACE:
Song: M’HAWNX BĦALEK
Singer: Jasmine Abela
Composer: Glen Vella
Author: Philip Vella
Monetary Prize*: €5,000
BEST MUSICAL ARRANGEMENT:
Song: FUQ PULTRUNA
Arrangement: Ryan Paul Abela
Singer: Mark Micallef Costa
Composer: Mark Micallef Costa
Author: Mark Micallef Costa
BEST INTERPRETATION:
Song: M’HAWNX BĦALEK
Singer: Jasmine Abela
Composer: Glen Vella
Author: Philip Vella
Photo (MHAL)
