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L-Għanja tal-Poplu

L-Għanja tal-Poplu (People's Ode Song Contest) is an annual Maltese festival celebrating original songs composed in the Maltese language.

History

First organized by Youth Travel Circle (YTC) on 5 May 1973 at the St. Albert College in Valletta, the song has evolved into a prominent platform that promotes Maltese culture, language, and music by offering local composers, lyricists, and performers the opportunity to present their work to a wide audience.

L-Għanja tal-Poplu was founded as a means to foster the creation and appreciation of original Maltese songs. From its inception, the festival was envisioned as a celebration of the Maltese language and culture, providing a space for both emerging and established artists to share their musical expressions. Over the decades, the event has maintained its commitment to artistic quality and originality while adapting to changing musical landscapes.

Founded by Rev. Maurice Mifsud. Initially the contest had to register as YTC members. From 1987 onward, the contest took a national dimension. The competing songs are sung primarily in Maltese and are written either by the singers themselves or other songwriters. In the 1990s the contest started being transmitted on local television stations.

Trophy

The main trophy, in rosewood, citrus wood, brass and acrylic was designed by Donald Friggieri in 1987. It is awarded to the singer of the winning song, held for one year and then passed on to the singer of the winning entry the following year.

Venue

At present the competition is being organised in mid-summer in Pjazza Teatru Rjal with all the songs being accompanied by the Malta Concert Orchestra. Previously, it had been held in Sala Temi Zammit at the University of Malta.

Format and Objectives

The festival serves as a contest and cultural event where participants are invited to submit original compositions. Key objectives include:

  • Promoting the creation of high-quality Maltese songs.
  • Providing a platform for composers, lyricists, and performers to reach a growing audience.
  • Fostering community engagement and cultural exchange through music.

Each edition of L-Għanja tal-Poplu features regulated submission periods, public performances, and a final show that showcases selected finalists. The festival has no restrictions on theme or style as long as the songs are original and performed in Maltese.

Organization

This contest is today organised by the voluntary organisation L-Għanja tal-Poplu and also supported by Arts Council Malta.

Key figures include:

  • Dun Maurice Mifsud – Founder and long-time organizer, whose continuous involvement since the inaugural edition has been instrumental in shaping the festival’s direction.
  • Carmelo Schembri - Chairperson of L-Għanja tal-Poplu and leading the organisation since 1990.
  • Alexia Cutajar Conti – Serving as secretary since 2002, she has played a central role in maintaining communications between the organizing committee and the participants.
  • Dr. Ingrid Vella – A committee member who contributes to the festival’s innovation and renewal, bridging artistic pursuits with academic insight.
  • Other members include Noel Damato (Production Manager), Anton Miceli (Assistant Administrator), Mark Grech (Committee Member).
  • Prof Manwel Mifsud, and Tony Micallef (Media Coordinator and Archivist).

Impact and Legacy

L-Għanja tal-Poplu has played a significant role in the Maltese cultural landscape by:

  • Enhancing the visibility of Maltese language music.
  • Supporting the careers of local artists.
  • Serving as a community-building event that celebrates Maltese identity.
  • Encouraging innovation while preserving traditional elements in songwriting and performance.

The festival’s long-running success is often attributed to its inclusive approach, allowing for diverse musical expressions while adhering to quality and originality requirements.

Winners

2025

Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 2 August 2025

2024

Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 3 August 2024

2023

Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 5 August 2023

2022

Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 30 July 2022

  • 1st place: Alexia Micallef : "Fil-Kexxun" (written by Lon Kirkop and composed by Lon Kirkop)
  • 2nd place: Marija Bellia : "Ismi" (written by Iona Dalli and Maria Bellia and composed by Iona Dalli and Maria Bellia)
  • 3rd place: MARA : "Ħelu Manna" (written by Emil Calleja Bayliss and composed by Philip Vella)
  • Best Singer/Songwriter: Maria Bellia for the song "Ismi"
  • Best Social Theme: Joe Julian Farrugia for the song "Mr X"
  • Special guest singer, author and composer Tony Camilleri was awarded "L-Għanja Li Tibqa’" for his outstanding contribution to the Maltese Music Scene throughout his long career.

2021

Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 7 August 2021 -

2020

Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 11 September 2020 -

2019

Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 31 August 2019

2018

Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 1 September 2018

2017

Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 2 September 2017

2016

Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 9 July 2016

2015

Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 21 March 2015 -

2014

Held at Sala Temi Zammit, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, 15 March 2014 -

2013

Held at Sala Temi Zammit, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, 20 April 2013

2012

Held at Sala Temi Zammit, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, 21 April 2012

Previous Editions

References

External links