Melodija Awards 2026: Readers Crown the Best Maltese Music Releases of 2025

The votes are in, and the 2026 Melodija Awards have officially wrapped up. Determined entirely by readers, this year’s results celebrate the very best of Malta’s local music releases from 2025. Across ten diverse categories, the awards highlight the breadth, creativity and vitality that continue to define the Maltese music scene.

Alternative Albums

Topping the Alternative category is Bila with their debut full-length album Bezzalart. The release clearly struck a chord with listeners, marking an impressive breakthrough for the band.

In second place came Divine Sinners with Count Your Blessings, followed by Eyes To Argus and their album Reboot, which secured third place.

Dub, Ska and Urban

The Dub, Ska and Urban category was led by Buzu with the album Onestament, a release that resonated strongly with fans of groove-driven and rhythm-heavy sounds.

Second place went to Tom Caruana for Salsa Verde, while Manwel T secured third with Africa.

Classical Albums

In the Classical category, Daniel Vella claimed first place with Pieces Of Malta.

A very close second was Charlene Farrugia with Melita: Maltese Piano Music, reflecting how tight the competition was. Third place went to Tricia Dawn Williams for Tiny Keys Big Sound.

Folk Pop

The Folk Pop category saw Kantera take the top spot with Vjagg Sabih.

Second place resulted in a remarkable four-way tie between Alexandra Alden (When Is It Too Late), Dario Genovese (Burgundy), David Schembri (Ghidli Int Ja Mara) and Dominic Galea (Mara).

Third place went to the various artists compilation of the L-Għanja Tal-Poplu Festival 2025, celebrating Malta’s enduring songwriting tradition.

Jazz, Fusion and World Music

In Jazz, Fusion and World Music, Benji Cachia led the category with Akshara, followed by Ray Agius with Supernova.

Third place was awarded to Kylo for Kylo World.

Mainstream Electronic

The Mainstream Electronic category was won by X-Tend with the compilation 1984–2024 Volume 2, celebrating decades of electronic output.

Second place went to Yazmin with Vision, while Nico Jay secured third with Ascending.

Non-Mainstream Electronic

First place in the Non-Mainstream Electronic category was awarded to Robert Farrugia for Natura Maltija OST.

Second went to Devil’s Breath with Abandoned By Humans – Adopted By Wolves, and third to K.A.R.R. with Galactic Driver 2.

Heavy Metal Albums

In Heavy Metal, veteran death metal band Beheaded claimed first place with Għadam, reaffirming their enduring impact on the scene.

Second place went to Pilgrimage for From Amber To Sun, while ClubMurder took third with History Of Gods.

Experimental Pop

The Experimental Pop category resulted in a tie for first place between Claire Tonna with Held and Klinsmann with Chaos & Cadence.

Second place was awarded to X-Tend for L-Immigrant, while Matthew James secured third with Ashes To Ashes.

Rock & Punk

Finally, in Rock & Punk, Five Years From Now took the top honour with Bank Punk.

Second place went to Djun for L-Irxoxt, and third to Bruda with Togħma Morra.

Melodija congratulates all the artists who released music during 2025 and extends heartfelt thanks for their contribution to Malta’s ever-evolving musical landscape. The 2026 reader-voted results not only celebrate excellence but also reflect the richness, diversity and creative resilience that continue to strengthen the Maltese music scene year after year.