Throughout musical history, protest songs have played an important part, not only in representing the voice of the people but in somehow also inspiring change on many levels.

So few songwriters are inspired to express political vision through their art

Taking his cue from the spirit of protest (or as they are sometimes referred to, political) music, Sigmund Mifsud will be directing a 22-piece orchestra that, together with a number of guest vocalists and rock musicians, will perform a mixture of popular hits from the likes of U2, Queen, Beatles, Pink Floyd and many more with a political message during The People’s Voice Concert at the Sir Temi Zammit Hall on the University campus on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

With everything in place, Mifsud takes time out to answer a few questions about his latest musical venture and what stoked his interest in political rock.

What is your favourite political song?

In contrast to the conflicting nature usually ingrained in politically-charged songs, I prefer songs that carry a positive message, so my favourite political song is John Lennon’s Imagine.

I believe it is in our nature to protest and rebel against something we feel is unjust. Imagine projects a very strong message in calling for one country, one world, one person. It is a message I believe we should always carry with us and aspire to. Politics aside, Imagine is also a great song that always gives me a good feeling every time I listen to it.

Unlike other concerts you’ve been involved in, this one is inspired by political rock. What attracted you to the idea?

I think it really has to do with the fact that in contrast to other countries, where political expression through music is commonplace, the Maltese music scene seems to be less inspired to convey political messages in their songs.

Looking back through the history of music, the list of bands singing political songs is endless and transcends any notion of genre, whereas in Malta, very few bands have ventured into this area.

It saddens me that, despite the importance politics are given in Malta, so few songwriters are inspired to express political vision through their art. It leads me to believe that perhaps we are too judgmental when it comes to politics, to the extent that artists feel uncomfortable expressing their political views through music as is done abroad, perhaps for fear of repercussions. This concert is my way of protesting against this ‘closed’ mentality and hoping it will make way for new, fresh ideas.

This concert will give you the opportunity to revisit two songs in particular that had been blatantly hijacked by politics in Malta…

Yes, The Final Countdown by Europe, used by the Nationalist Party in 1987 and The Scorpions’ Wind of Change, which the Labour Party used in 1996.

They are at the top of my list of ‘politically-hijacked’ songs; big hits I could never use in any of my previous concerts because of the implied political connotation.

Given its theme, this concert is the perfect vehicle for these songs to be performed… dare I say, many will expect them to be in the set list.

I liked both songs very much, and not for any political reason. Both have particular sounds that identify with the times they were released in; they also transmit a lot of energy, which is most likely what instigated our two main political parties to hijack these songs.

I recently came across an article entitled ‘The Music of Politics’, wherein Toni Sant (DJ, blogger and University lecturer in new media) described the local political parties’ tendency to rely on foreign songs for their campaigns as an unfortunate example of “cultural colonialism”, namely the Maltese misconception that anything that comes from the US, Britain or Europe is better than what is made in Malta.

While I share these thoughts, I question whether the Maltese would respect local bands or artists who get involved in political campaigns or whether these would end up getting stamped ‘blue’ or ‘red’?

Apart from Europe and Scorpions, the repertoire for the concert boasts some amazing numbers. How hard was it to pick a final list and how did you finally manage?

Choosing the repertoire for any concert is always a challenge. One has to keep in mind the audience at all times, as the songs need to be entertaining.

On the other hand, the singers taking part have to be comfortable with the songs they are to sing, so my approach is based on those two elements, with the end result reflecting all parties involved.

There are a few surprise names among the long list of guest singers…

As the concert is based mainly on rock numbers, it’s natural to expect rock singers, and we do have a lot of them, namely Kenneth from Fire, Paul Sky from Colourblind, Daryl from 12th Ode, Paul from Purple Haze, Chris Grech of 26 Other Worlds and Mikaela.

But as you know, I’m a firm believer in fusing music styles, so I’ve also brought in Janvil, Petra and Gloriana Arpa Belli to sing some of the numbers. I won’t tell you which songs they’ll be singing but I can assure you they’ll add the right dose to the concert that will appeal to a more diverse audience.

While politics in Malta tends to be polarised, where is the political focus of this concert aimed at?

Maltese politics is too judgmental and leaves little room for grey areas. We need to work on a culture of respect towards diversity. It is positive that we have shows based on satire and light sarcasm but I also believe more artists should express their political views without relying on just comedy and without risk of repercussions. Take a look at San Remo, for example, some of their winning songs have been quite political, but can you imagine such a festival in Malta ever having a winning song that has a defined political message, because I can’t. Not just yet, at least!

For details and ticket information on The People’s Voice Concert, look up the event page on Facebook.

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