‘Ġismi,’ performed by Ecca, is the winner of this year’s edition of “L-Għanja tal-Poplu”. Written by Mark Pellicano and composed by Matthew Pelicano, the song addresses the reality experienced in silence by individuals who are sexually abused and are afraid to express their traumas. The sensitivity of the meaning in the lyrics is expressed by the touching melody which connotes numerous repressed emotions. The song ‘Ġismi’ was also awarded best social theme award.
soundcloud.com/l-ghanja-tal-poplu/gismi-ecca-muscat‘Ċans Ieħor’ interpreted by Raquel and composed by Norbert Borg to the lyrics of Daniel Paul Farrugia, placed second. The song portrays a person who is finding it difficult to be accepted back in society, after serving some time in prison.
soundcloud.com/l-ghanja-tal-poplu/cans-iehor-raquel-galdes‘Battibekk’, composed and interpreted by Rita Pace to the lyrics of Emil Calleja Bayliss and Paul Attard classified third. This speaks of mud-slinging and the creation of rumours that can destroy a person’s life at the touch of a button. Rita Pace was also awarded the prize for the best interpretation.
soundcloud.com/l-ghanja-tal-poplu/battibekk-rita-paceMark Cachia won the prize for the best singer-songwriter. His song ‘Waqt li qed nitfi d-dawl’ expresses the thoughts that come to one’s mind, the moment he is about to leave and turn off the lights for the last time.
soundcloud.com/l-ghanja-tal-poplu/12-waqt-li-qed-nitfi-d-dawl-mark-cachiaThe Group “Abstract Acoustic Duo” made up of Gabriel Cassar and Lenice Tabone won the prize for the best young talent.
soundcloud.com/l-ghanja-tal-poplu/niftakarna-abstract-acoustic-duoAll the songs were interpeted and accompanied live. It was a feat for the stagehands and sound engineers to change bands after every song. This was done in less than half a minute.
The festival will be transmitted on TVM2 on Tuesday 31st March 2015 at 20:50. One can listen to the songs on
soundcloud.com/stream or
www.ghanjafest.comA CD album and booklet are also on sale.
The 39th Edition of L-Għanja tal-Poplu was organised in collaboration with the Center for Creativity, with the help of Malta Arts Fund and the Valletta 2018 Foundation.
Organising Committee: Fr Maurice Mifsud, Charles Schembri, Noel D’Amato, Josephine Ebejer Grech, Tony Micallef, Alexia Cutajar Conti.
Music News Malta Editor -- Joseph Portelli
Festival Information :
www.facebook.com/GhanjaTalPoplu