‘We do not interfere with the choice of MTV artists’

Musician Sigmund Mifsud is calling for Maltese talent to feature in the Isle of MTV but the Culture Ministry made it clear it did not interfere with the choice of artistes.

Mr Mifsud on Tuesday delivered a letter to the ministry asking it to reassess the issue of having Maltese artists performing on the stage of Isle of MTV in June. He said he had not yet received a reply or acknowledgement.

“While I understand that MTV is a private business entity, this same entity had no objection to have local artists perform in the first two editions of the Isle of MTV. Thus, the possibility exists,” he said, when contacted.

But a Culture Ministry spokesman explained that the line-up selection was solely up to MTV.

“The event is organised by MTV, which is responsible for selecting and contracting the line-up. MTV uses its international network of music TV stations to promote the concert across Europe in the build-up to the concert...,” a spokesman said.

“In selecting the artists for the concert, MTV focuses on artists with hits in the main European music charts or upcoming artists that MTV considers as emerging stars with a pan-European appeal.

We have never interfered with MTV in their choice of artistes and the crowds that attend the event have never been disappointed.”

However, Mr Mifsud argued that agreements were always preceded by lobbying.

“The question arises whether the ministry did mention the possibility of having the local artists involved in their dialogues with MTV,” he said.

The musician’s quest has led him to set up a Facebook page called Maltese Artists At Isle of MTV: Where Are They?, an initiative that attracted about 4,200 members.

Although some insisted the “local product” should not mix with the international one, most backed the musician’s call for an opportunity for local artists to participate in the Isle of MTV.

The ministry said it did recognise the importance of promoting local artists and had specifically set up the Malta Music Week in the run-up to the Isle of MTV to provide a platform for local talent. Music Week events are promoted both locally and internationally.

Other events showcasing Maltese artists are the Malta Arts Festival, the Malta Jazz Festival and Notte Bianca.