Winners of L-Għanja tal-Poplu 2022 (46th Edition)
L-Għanja tal-Poplu – a festival of original songs in Maltese was staged on Saturday 30th July in Pjazza Teatru Rjal with the participation of the Malta Concert Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Joe Brown. The festival was presented by Valerie Vella and broadcast live on TVM. The best 16 songs of the 131 songs submitted for the 46th edition were performed on the final night.
The Winners
The song ‘Fil-Kexxun’ performed by Alexia Micallef and written and composed by Lon Kirkop won this edition of the festival. The winning song deals with the difficulties faced by individuals dealing with anorexia while giving hope that this eating disorder can be overcome. Alexia Micallef also won the Enzo Gusman award for best interpretation.
The song ‘Ismi’ sung by Marija Bellia, and written and composed by the same Marija Bellia together with Iona Dalli, was ranked second. The song is inspired by the brutal rape and murder of Paulina Maria Dembska earlier this year and deals with femicide, domestic abuse, rape, and the fear that women in a society constantly live in. Marija Bellia together with Iona Dalli was also awarded the best singer-songwriter award.
The group MARA won third place with the song ‘Ħelu Manna’, written by Emil Calleja Bayliss and composed by Philip Vella. The song talks about the sweetness of our grandparents that many of us were lucky enough to experience and enjoy.
The award for the best social theme went to Joe Julian Farrugia with the song ‘Mr. X’ performed by Philip Vella. This song is inspired by a recent case in our country when someone was reported missing, without anyone knowing his name. In fact, in hospital they nicknamed him Mr. X. After many comments and insults on Facebook, Mr. X died.
The L-Għanja tal-Poplu’s committee presented the L-Għanja Li Tibqa’ award to Tony Camilleri L-Għannej for his long-term contribution to the Maltese song. Tony Camilleri performed a medley that included ‘L-Għannej’, ‘Rajt Ma Rajtx, Smajt Ma Smajtx’, and ‘Fit-Tieġ tan Neputija’.
L-Għanja tal-Poplu is supported by the Arts Council Malta and Valletta Cultural Agency.