Violinist and Valletta resident George Curmi, known as Il-Pusé, is “disappointed” at how the revival of Strait Street in the capital is taking place.
He said little effort was being made to maintain Strait Street’s original character, in an interview that appeared in a commercial publication distributed for free in the capital over the past few days.
A renowned violinist, Mr Curmi has his roots in the notorious Strait Street, where his father pioneered jazz in the 1940s and 1950s.
He was speaking to Valletta This Season, a publication issued by the Embassy Shopping Complex in collaboration with the Valletta council, about his latest manouche-style jazz project called Hot Club of Valletta.
Sure, there is space for clubbing for the younger generation in Valletta, but it needs to be done at an appropriate location, and respectfully
Strait Street has seen a number of decrepit former entertainment outlets transformed into bars with outside seating that has attracted a new crowd to the capital.
But while welcoming the revival, Mr Curmi did not like it that the music being played did not complement the surroundings.
“Sure, there is space for clubbing for the younger generation in Valletta, but it needs to be done at an appropriate location, with respect for residents and the character of the place. We can’t have Strait Street turn into another Paceville.”
Mr Curmi added that it was his belief that projects to revive an area worked better when people with roots in it were involved. “I’m not seeing this happen with Strait Street.”
In January 2014, Valletta 2018 Foundation chairman Jason Micallef spoke of plans to develop Strait Street into Valletta’s “new Paceville”. The comment raised eyebrows and attracted criticism from residents.
He later clarified that the term “new Paceville” was a reference to the high number of visitors the St Julian’s area attracts and not the type of establishments found in that entertainment mecca.
Since then, the Valletta 2018 Foundation appointed Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci, a Valletta-born arts academic, as artistic director for Strait Street’s revival.
Announced last year, his job was to oversee Strait Street’s long-term sustainability while it transforms into a permanent hub of activity. Dr Schembri Bonaci is overseeing the organisation of cultural and artistic activities linked with Strait Street.