L-Għanja tal-Poplu
L-Għanja tal-Poplu is an annual Maltese festival celebrating original songs composed in the Maltese language.
History
First organized by Youth Travel Circle 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.
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, Anton Miceli, Mark Grech.Prof Manwel Mifsud, and Tony Micallef.
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.
Winners
2025
Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 2 August 2025- 1st place: Rita Pace : " Narakom L-Infern"
- 2nd place: Mark Tonna : "Moħħi Mistieħ"
- 3rd place: Mark Spiteri Lucas and Mark Micallef Costa: "Skuri u Ċari"
- Best Singer/Songwriter: Daryl James for the song "Aħfirli"
- Best Social Theme: Peppi Azzopardi for the song "Għad Għandi Erba' Snin"
- Enzo Gusman award for best interpretation: Cherylis for the song "Inħobbok Wisq"
- Broadcaster's Award: Kayley Cuschieri for the song "Ersaq 'l Hawn"
- Special guest singer, author and composer Joe Demicoli, was awarded " L-Għanja Li Tibqa’ " for his outstanding contribution to the Maltese Music Scene throughout his long career.
2024
Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 3 August 2024- 1st place: Laura Bruno : " Għażiża "
- 2nd place: Florence Aquilina : "Namra"
- Best Singer/Songwriter: Florence Aquilina for the song "Namra"
- Best Social Theme: Lon Kirkop for the song "Straight"
- Enzo Gusman award for best interpretation: Laura Bruno for the song " Għażiża "
- Special guest singer Renato Micallef, was awarded " L-Għanja Li Tibqa’ " for his outstanding contribution to the Maltese Music Scene throughout his long career.
2023
Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 5 August 2023- 1st place: Christian Arding : " Il-Baħħ u Jien "
- 2nd place: Mark Spiteri Lucas and Debbie Scerri : "Meravilja"
- Best Singer/Songwriter: Jean Claude Vancell for the song "Monokrom"
- Best Social Theme: Lon Kirkop for the song "Għadu Ma Sarx"
- Enzo Gusman award for best interpretation: Christian Arding for the song " Il-Baħħ u Jien "
- Spacial guest singer Merga was awarded " L-Għanja Li Tibqa’ " for her outstanding contribution to the Maltese Music Scene throughout her long career.
2022
Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 30 July 2022- 1st place: Alexia Micallef : "Fil-Kexxun"
- 2nd place: Marija Bellia : "Ismi"
- 3rd place: MARA : "Ħelu Manna"
- 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 -- 1st place: Sean Borg : "Fuq L-Ixkaffa"
- 2nd place: Haley Azzopardi : "Is-Sirena Li Welldet it-Tama"
- 3rd place: MeadowStrings : "Niftakar"
- Best Singer/Songwriter: MeadowStrings : "Niftakar"
- Best Social Theme: Mark Laurence Zammit : "Se Nirranġaw" sung by Dominic Cini and Anna Azzopardi
- Best Interpretation Award: Dario & Grecia Bezzina : "Il-Bajtar Sar"
- Special guest singer, author and composer Enzo Gusman awarded " L-Għanja Li Tibqa’ " for his outstanding contribution to the Maltese Music Scene throughout his long career.
2020
Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 11 September 2020 -- 1st place: Marilyn Aquilina : "Jiena u Int"
- 2nd place: Rita Pace : "Sant'Antnin"
- 3rd place: Sarah Micallef Muscat : "Sakemm Sibt Garaxx"
- Best Singer/Songwriter: Jean Claude Vancell : "F'Dirghajk"
- Best Interpretation Award: Kemmuna Airways : "Ħass u Basal"
- Best Social Theme: JAMM Band : "Normalita' Ġdida" sung by JAMM Band
2019
Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 31 August 2019- 1st place: Philip Vella : "Il-Verita'"
- 2nd place: Cherylis : "Tfewwaħ"
- 3rd place: Rachel Lowell : "Minn Kajfas Għal Għand Pilatu"
- Best Original Song: Rachel Lowell : "Minn Kajfas Għal Għand Pilatu"
- Best Singer/Songwriter: Cherylis : "Tfewwaħ"
- Best Interpretation Award: Janice Mangion : "Għadu Mhux Il-Waqt"
2018
Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 1 September 2018- 1st place: Michela Galea : "Mhux Kulma Jleqq Deheb"
- 2nd place: Dwett (Cherylis & Mikhail) : "Mhux Kif Ħsibt"
- 3rd place: Philip Vella : "Allura"
- Best Original Song: Charlene Mercieca Magro : "Nistenniek"
- Best Singer/Songwriter: JAMM Band : "Hadd Ma Jaf Xi Jrid"
- Best Recording: Philip Vella : "Allura"
- Best Interpretation Award: Monica Said : "Anamika"
2017
Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 2 September 2017- 1st place: Jessica Magro : "Meta r-Ramel Jitħallat mas-Silġ"
- 2nd place: Dario & Grecia Bezzina : "13, Strada Stretta"
- 3rd place: Xarulu' : "Rutina Tgħallina"
- Best Original Song: Odelsie Camilleri - "Narak Kuntent"
- Best Singer/Songwriter: Ryan Grech "Min Jaf"
- Best Recording: Xarulu' : "Rutina Tgħallina"
- Best Interpretation Award: Monica Said : "Ritratt"
2016
Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 9 July 2016- 1st place: Corazon : "X'Se Jsir"
- 2nd place: Neville Refalo : "Ta' Bil-Lejl"
- 3rd place: Mikela Bajada : "Mellisni"
- Best New Young Talent: Jurgen Xerri - "Ħallejt Il-Passi Wrajk"
- Best Singer/Songwriter: Corazon for "X'Se Jsir"
- Best Social Theme: Neville Refalo : "Ta' Bil-Lejl"
- Best Interpretation Award: Nadine Fenech : "Il-Biża' u Jien"
- Special guests: Kantilena
2015
Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 21 March 2015 -- 1st place Ecca Muscat : "Ġismi"
- 2nd place: Raquel (Galdes) : "Ċans Ieħor"
- 3rd place: Rita Pace : "Battibekk"
- Best New Young Talent: Abstract Acoustic Duo - "Niftakarna"
- Best Singer/Songwriter: Mark Cachia : "Waqt Li Qed Nitfi D-Dawl"
- Best Social Theme: Mark Pellicano : "Ġismi" sung by Ecca Muscat
- Best Interpretation Award: Rita Pace for "Battibekk"
2014
Held at Sala Temi Zammit, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, 15 March 2014 -- 1st place: Karen DeBattista : "Jien Ma Naħdimx"
- 2nd place: Frank O'Neill, Christabelle Curmi & Il-Lajks : "Kif Xrobbtuli L-Menti"
- 3rd place: Miriam Christine & Olivia Lewis : "Wara L-Kanċell"
- Best New Young Talent: Denise Spiteri - "Pupa"
- Best Singer/Songwriter: Frank O'Neill for "Kif Xrobbtuli L-Menti"
- Best Social Theme: Rita Pace : "Il-Quċċata" sung by 7 Spadi"
- Best Interpretation Award: Christian Arding : "Il-Karba Tal-Mument"
2013
Held at Sala Temi Zammit, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, 20 April 2013- 1st place Cherise Attard : "Hawn Siġġu Nieqes"
- 2nd place: Dorothy Muscat : "Signor Si"
- 3rd place: Rita Pace : "Pupazz"
- Best New Talent: Fiona Camilleri - "Taħnina"
- Best Singer/Songwriter: Sylvan Borg for "Il-Maltin Bil-Politika Mehdijin" sung by Justin Galea u Banda Briganti written by Keith Muscat and composed by Sylvan Borg
- Best Social Theme: Estelle Fenech Imbroll : "Virtwali"
- Best Interpretation Award: X-Tend : "Kuluri Lwien"
2012
Held at Sala Temi Zammit, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, 21 April 2012- 1st place KulTural : "Malta Tiegħi"
- 2nd place: Grecia Bezzina : "Tal-Komma Twila"
- 3rd place: Kantilena : "Baħħar"
- Best New Talent: Mistura - "Isma' Bilfors"
- Best Singer/Songwriter: Drinu Camilleri for "Baħħar"
- Best Social Theme: Rita Pace : "Kwadru jew Tond"
- Best Interpretation Award: Maria Debono : "Mhux Illum"
- Special guests: Brikkuni