Joe Camilleri, il-Bibi, is the main guest speaker at an event in the Poeżijaplus series that will be viewing Valletta through the eyes of personalities recounting experiences connected to the city. It is being held today at 7.30pm at the Valletta local council office.

Camilleri started playing the drums, aged 12, in Valletta’s Strait Street, and went on to become one of the established drummers of the time in this well-known entertainment hub in the city. His father, Frank Camilleri, also known as il-Bibi, was one of Malta’s foremost musicians who started his career in this street.

Reminiscing about his performing days, Camilleri said: “American sailors used to tell the bar owner that they wanted me to play for them. I used to play the number Skin Deep, which was extremely popular. It is in the same style as Wipeout. These numbers were meant for drummers to showcase their skills by performing solos. I used to play such solos for half-an-hour at a time.”

Other speakers at the event are George Cini, author of the books on ‘Strada Stretta’, historian and guide Vincent Zammit, Sergio Grech and Vince Fabri, while author Trevor Zahra and journalist Ramona Depares will recite poems about the city.

The Poeżijaplus event on Valletta is being held today at the Valletta local council office, Republic Square, Valletta (formerly Café Premier) at 7.30pm. Admission is free.