Mużika Mużika: A televised song festival planned for March
The Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government and Festivals Malta are currently working on the final preparations for the grand return of the popular Festival Kanzunetta Maltija to the television screens, a three-day production that will offer a new and fresh platform for local artists to present music in Maltese.
During a press conference outlining the latest updates about the festival, Minister José Herrera explained that through Mużika Mużika the government is implementing another electoral promise in the culture sector. “Through the endeavours of Mużika Mużika we are writing a new chapter for the local music industry. This festival will serve as a catalyst in the development of artists from all genres creating new opportunities for those who wish to express their talent in our native language”, said Minister Herrera.
“Mużika Mużika is also a very good example of how Public Cultural Organisations and other government entities can collaborate by bringing their strengths together to provide a high-end production of outstanding artistic value”, reiterated Minister Herrera.
The press conference was also addressed by Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela, who is responsible for the National Broadcaster (PBS), which will be transmitting the festival following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between PBS and Festivals Malta. The MoU seeks to further develop the collaboration between the two entities in the delivery of high quality TV productions of cultural and artistic nature, such as Mużika Mużika.
Minister Carmelo Abela stated that this festival truly gives space to artists, composers and authors to promote the Maltese song while also serving as a celebration of the Maltese identity where the Maltese language is a protagonist. In addition, the festival complements a number of electoral manifesto pledges in the arts and culture sector.
He emphasised that this television production, expected to be one of the highest quality, is being broadcasted thanks to the Public Broadcasting Services. The Minister mentioned how PBS is strengthening its operations to improve the quality of broadcasting, as has been happening in the past few years, where viewers enjoyed productions of the highest level. He commended this effort between different entities and wished the very best of success so that this festival becomes a yearly appointment awaited by many.
Festivals Malta CEO Annabelle Stivala introduced the festival as a glorious comeback after an absence of 8 years – a comeback with a new name and an innovative strategy. “Mużika Mużika is an important addition to the portfolio of the agency. From the beginning, our aim was to take this festival to the younger generations, thus we made sure our campaign leading to the festival targeted different genres of music with young and fresh content, whilst keeping in mind the traditional audience who will experience a great show through a live orchestra”, said Ms Stivala.
Mużika Mużika Chairman Raymond Bugeja touched upon the logistic and creative preparations of the festival, which have been going on for over a year. Mużika Mużika will feature a stage installed with paramount technological effects, promising a spectacular TV show. Bugeja also introduced the festival presenters – Keith Demicoli, Claire Agius Ordway, Lara Azzopardi and Sarah-Lee Zammit, a dynamic team important to the chemistry of it all. In the wings, the vivacious couple, Gianni Zammit and Taryn Mamo Cefai will keep the audience hooked on what is happening backstage, with live interviews with the participants, the composers and the authors during the live transmission and on social media.
Jason Micallef, on behalf of the production team, remarked how applications reached a diverse musical genre, with new artists, as well as established ones, and also the participation of bands. This will push forward exciting times in the local music sector. Micallef praised the work and the collaboration between the Festival and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, which will accompany the participants live.
The winning song of the festival will be awarded a €10,000 prize, whilst the runner-up and second runner-up will receive €5,000 and €3,000 respectively. Every semi-final song will be given a €500 compensation towards elevating the financial burden associated with such a competition. The winning songs will be chosen through a professional jury and also through SMS voting by the general public. The regulations for the SMS voting will be published on the Mużika Mużika website.