Fri, 24 May
|Argotti Gardens
Ritmu Roots Festival - Prejjem u Għana ma' Ta' Nofsillejl - Session I
Entrance: €10.00
Time & Location
24 May 2024, 20:30 – 21:20
Argotti Gardens, Triq Vincenzo Bugeja, Floriana
About the event
This event forms part of the ticketing package for Ritmu Roots Festival at Argotti Gardens.
The familial nickname ‘Nofsillejl’ resonates with a rich history within the realms of għana and traditional guitar playing or daqq tal-prejjem. Għana flows through the veins of Nofsillejl family, with the name originating with George’s father, the late Carmelo Aquilina, who achieved renown as an innovative and virtuose guitarist in għana circles, both in Malta and Australia until his passing in the 1990s.
Following in his father's musical footsteps, George has meticulously preserved and curated a noteworthy collection of recordings, featuring not only his father but also other għannejja and guitarists from the 20th century. Presently, he shares this wealth of material with his son Karol, imparting valuable knowledge and insights into the guitar styles and techniques, transmitting musical material by singers and guitarists, some of which have left an indelible mark on għana history.
Karol, a musically educated individual with a deep passion for għana guitars and other musical styles such as flamenco, was immersed in the world of għana from a tender age. After years of study and practice, father and son present a fresh and varied traditional repertoire. The resonating chords of the accompanying guitar are skillfully plucked and entwined with Karol’s fresh, gutsy and dynamic guitar licks, characterizing the musical legacy of Ta’ Nofsillejl and a fresh approach to traditional prejjem.
Collaborating with Ta’ Nofsillejl are some of the most renowned and proficient singers, who have agreed to work with the guitarists on mounting this new venture. The session will include an example of the various forms of Għana, including għana spirtu pront, għana fil-għoli and għana tal-fatt.
Artists: Nenu Borg il-Brazz, Jesmond Galea tal-Kalora, Mabbli Camilleri l-Bozen, Ninu Gatt ir-Rajsu and Ċensu Abela tal-Pitrolju, George Aquilina u Karol Aquilina (Ta' Nofsillejl).
Accessibility: This venue is wheelchair accessible.