Emmanule Cilia (1889-1967)St Philip Band Club, Żebbuġ, is hosting a soirée this evening to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of one of Malta’s foremost traditional folk (għana) singers Emmanuele Cilia ‘Ta’ Żabett’.
Cilia was reputed to be one of the best ballad singers of his day. He was renowned for his melodious voice and the clarity of his singing.
In 1931 in Milan, Edward Fowler recorded the music of several Maltese musicians and singers, including Cilia’s singing of his ballad L’Istorja ta’ Arturo u Maria, thus becoming one of the first traditional Maltese folk singers to be recorded.
In 1964, a few years before his death in 1967, D’Amato re-released a selection of Cilia’s ballads on 45rpm vinyl, securing his legacy for generations to come.
The soirée programme includes information about Cilia’s life and musical works and live folk singing by traditional folk singers from Żebbuġ.
Several recordings of Cilia’s songs will also be played during the event.
Speaking about Cilia’s legacy will be, among others, Andrew Alamango, Charles Coleiro, Michael Bonnici, Steve Borg and relatives of Cilia.
The soirée will be held in the Mayfair Hall at St Philip Band Club, 12, St Philip Square, Żebbuġ, today at 7pm. Admission is free. To listen to an excerpt of L’Istorja ta’ Arturo u Maria, visit https://filflarecordsmusic.bandcamp.com/track/emmanuele-cilia.