Bust up

The late ghana singer Frans Baldacchino (Il-Budaj) was something of a legend in his lifetime. Equally at home performing before hundreds at Etnikafe concerts or for a group of friends in a bar or café, his unique talent ushered him to the pinnacle of his art in our islands.

He had also performed memorably at the headquarters of Talenti Mosti in the 300-year-old Razzett tal-Markiz Mallia Tabone in Wied il-Ghasel in Mosta. And it was this association that prompted the committee of Talenti Mosti, under their exuberant and tireless president Joe Bartolo to commission a bust from distinguished sculptor Anton Agius of Il-Budaj for display at the centre, which this year is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its founding.

Last month, before an assemblage of distinguished guests, the bust was unveiled in the presence of Mr Baldacchino's widow and the sculptor. Several personalities from the arts and politics attended the unveiling. By general consensus the sculpture will be a fitting tribute to one of Malta's rather special and most talented artistes.