Jien ma Naħdimx, performed by Karen DeBattista, is the winner of this year’s edition of the L-Għanja tal-Poplu festival. Written by Rita Pace and Mark Scicluna, the song addresses the misguided impression that a woman who stays at home to raise the family doesn’t work, as opposed to a career woman, when in fact a housewife’s role is important not only to family life but also to society in general.
Taking second place was the Frank O’Neill composition Kif Xrobtuli l-Menti, which was performed by O’Neill accompanied by Christabelle and Il-Lajks. The song, which addresses the way social media has impacted our lives, performed with a dash of humour, also won O’Neill the Best Songwriter Award.
Two of the best-known names in Malta’s festival circuit, Olivia Lewis and Miriam Christine, placed third with their song, Wara l-Kanċell. Written by Joe Julian Farrugia and Christine, the song addresses the various issues faced by people who are serving time in prison.
The award for Best Social Theme was given to Rita Pace for the song Il-Quċċata, which was performed by the group 7 Spadi. The song’s lyrics highlight the all-too-common situation where people at the top tend to forget how hard life can be at the other end until that is, their own lives are turned upside down, and it becomes only too clear that we all need one another at some point in our lives and should never forget it.
Two more prizes were awarded on the night, namely the Best Young Talent award, which went to Gozitan artist Denise Spiteri for her song Pupa, written by Mark Laurence Zammit, and the Best Interpretation Award, which was won by Christian Arding. Arding sang the song Il-Karba tal-Mument, a Kevin Tanti/Chan Vella composition focusing on the emotional rollercoaster a child whose parents are living apart goes through.
Prof. Oliver Friggieri presented the trophies to the winners.
The 38th edition of the festival was the first event organised by the Fondazzjoni Ċelebrazzjonijiet Nazzjonali. A CD compilation of the final 16 songs is available.
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