Kultural is the winner of this year’s edition of L-Għanja Tal-Poplu.

The young quartet, whose style fuses contemporary lyrics with hiphop and classical elements, rhythmic guitar and world music, won the festival with Malta Tiegħi, an original song penned by the band.

The song Tal-Komma Twila, written by Emil Calleja Bayliss and Dario Bezzina and sung by Grecia Bezzina, placed second, while contemporary folk band Kantilena placed third with Baħħâr, written by Drinu Camilleri, who received the Best Singer-Songwriter award.

Singer and songwriter Rita Pace won the award for Best Social Theme with her song Kwadru jew Tond, while the award for Best Interpretation went to young Gozitan singer Maria Debono, who sang Mhux Illum, and was accompanied by Laurence Zammit on piano. The group Mistura, who interpreted the song Isma’ Bilfors, won the Best New Talent award, which was presented by the World Association of Festivals and Artists.

This year’s participating songs, interpreted and accompanied live onstage and involving some 95 musicians and singers, were received very well by the significant audience that was present on the night.

The15 competing songs are available on a CD that can be ordered at www.għanjafest.com.