Saturday night fever was diagnosed at the MCC (Mediterranean Conference Centre) in Valletta, adding to the build up towards the V18 celebrations.
Following 12 International singers competing prior to the local competition and with a separate jury, the local level was something to make us proud to be Maltese.
One could find something positive to say about most songs, both local entries as well as foreign ones. Of some note were the highly energetic performance of the Italian entry and the rendition of a local song (Sa L-Ahhar Nifs) by the German entry, in the international first half of the festival with other entries having their own points of note.
Of the local entries, Bernice's Sinjali had a curiously interesting use of backing vocals, Janvil & Hooligan, a clear dosage of showmanship which also highlighted the high level of musicianship of the live band on stage, with congratulations being deserved by musical director, Mro. Sigmund Mifsud.
Other notable songs and singers were the quotation of a traditional Maltese tune (Lament) during Solitaire sung by Dario and Grecia, Olivia Lewis's mature deep soulful voice and the impressive solo dancing in Domenique's Passi Fir-Ramel.
Roger Tirazona's voice shows the experience it acquired from musicals. Mark Tonna's meaningful lyrics, Fiona's, Dorcas's, Miriam Christine's and Lyann's voices and songs as well as Geordie's and Donna's songs, voices, titles, meanings added substantially to the festival's quality and entertainment.
Special thanks and congratulations are surely in order. Hail to: the well-practiced backing vocals, the live band*, all singers, composers, lyricists, arrangers, all the technical/media crew, TV Presenter, Guest Singers (MaryRose Mallia, Renato, Debbie Scerri, Lawrence Gray…all well-known names in the local scene), the warm audience itself, a newer presenter in the field (Romina Mamo), also a singer herself.
* The Musicians deserve individual mention for their tightness, work, dedication and exceptional performance.
A surprise of the evening, and a highlight showcasing local talent residing abroad was Lisa Portelli with her stunning renditions clearly showing the high level of talent and musicianship; compliments and congrats.
The violin quartet, Hypnotic, gave an impressing performance adding value to the whole evening's entertainment. Similar to Bond, the mere composition of the band is an attraction in itself. The content captivating.
From the international segment, the song from Germany a rework of the Maltese song Sa L-ahhar Nifs, did justice to this rebirth of a festival, brought memories and paved the way for furthering this much needed initiative for local music…
…Let us protect our own and ensure adequate recognition towards local talent, in its entirety, singers as well as musicians. Whilst generating work, promoting culture and an increased value to human life, we would be protecting our country (and, in the end, our economy) from intellectual drain out. At the same time, we'd be preserving the so much needed national identity that is such a challenge to uphold in the 21st century when, due to the direction of technology and other factors, keeping one's identity has become a need to hold on to.
Write-up by Norman Cristina B.Ed.(Hons.) Music & E.M.Y.
www.normancristina.comSong winners:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgUgQvUbJHY
