It was, as expected, a hot and balmy summer night, even in the open, airy courtyard of the Gozo University Campus in Xewkija. Organised by pro-rector Joe Friggieri and Manwel Mifsud, the event for which many gathered was titled Lejla Għall-Qamar Kwinta, where the songs and verse presented all were somehow related to the moon, or the island we stood on, Gozo.
The event featured a number of local songwriters and singers, all presenting works in Maltese. Compéred by Manwel Mifsud, the event kicked off with a reading of Ġorġ Borg’s poem Tgħidlix, after which Gozitan singer Ruth Portelli took to the stage with a traditional folklore style band for a rendition of two songs. Though I personally do not see the appeal of ensembles such as this one, I can understand that others do see their value.
After a reading of the poem Lill-Qamar Kwinta by scientist and poet Rena Balzan, veteran singer-songwriter Walter Micallef took to the stage and played two tracks, his seminal Iż-Żmien and Pino, an ode to the ‘ugly’ cat he owned and which an ex’s mother had said ‘escaped’ while Walter was overseas. Walter was in his element here and his rousing delivery was well-received indeed.
Media darling and singer songwriter Corazon was up next, explaining that – though she is half Gozitan herself – there have, regrettably, not been many opportunities for her to perform in Gozo. She certainly attempted to make up for that to the local crowd, playing three favourites in Mill-Għajnejn ta’ Tifla, Jgħidu Kien Hawn Raġel and Xelin, each interspersed with Corazon’s typically witty introductions related to the sources of inspiration for each song.
Next up was Manwel, a professor of Maltese and also a veteran singer-songwriter. Accompanied by Mario Debono on guitar, Manwel delivered two of his compositions: Carmelina, a song dedicated to his wife and Vassalli, perhaps one of Mifsud’s best known pieces and focusing on (as the name itself suggests) on Mikiel Anton Vassalli, an avant-garde thinker and freedom fighter whose suggestions made during the French rule in Malta were so ahead of their days that they would not be revisited for another 100 years.
It was a different kind of musical event to the ones many expect, however, not in any way poorer
Kif Ħawwadniehom, penned and sung by Mario, was next on the programme. Full disclosure, Mario is my father and I, along with my brother, sang along in the chorus when this song was recorded what seems like a lifetime ago. All that being said, this is indeed one of his strongest compositions and a crowd favourite as its musical simplicity and call to speak to children in their own tongue has struck a chord with many.
Following another two songs by Ruth Portelli and her folklore band, and an excerpt from a short story by Joe Friggieri, read out by the author himself, it was Walter’s turn once again. Walter gave the audience another three songs, his own Dan l-Aħħar, and Bix-Xemx Warajja, which deals with the joys of fatherhood, which Walter says he is incredibly lucky to have experienced, even if at a later stage in life.
In addition, he sang Ħondoq ir-Rummien, perhaps the perennial song about Gozo, with a strong protest voice within. George Cassola’s lyrics remain as strong and poignant today as the day they were written and Walter’s heartfelt, yet brilliant, delivery did justice to the words.
Closing off the night was Corazon once again, who started her conclusion with a duet alongside Walter, singing Tal-Aħħar, a song about infidelity and the demise of a once-loving relationship. She then proceeded to perform two of her strongest titles. Il-Lejla b’Xejn, a song dealing with the subject of prostitution and, perhaps, her best-loved song, Fid-Dar tan-Nanna, one which has struck a chord with a large audience – from millennials such as myself, to these millennials’ grandparents.
It was a different kind of musical event to the ones many expect, however, not in any way poorer. Well-attended and with plenty of talent on show, the crowd was very appreciative and friendly conversations carried on to late in the night in the university’s wonderful gardens over wine and refreshments. One hopes many more events such as this are held and commendations to the organisers and musical acts involved.