Applications for Muzika Muzika 2024 festival open
The Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, announced that applications for Mużika Mużika 2024 are officially open. During the activities in which the winners of this year's edition of the Festival were presented with trophies, Minister Bonnici stated that for the third consecutive year, Mużika Mużika has exceeded expectations, both in terms of the singers, composers, and authors, as well as the numerous audiences who followed this festival.
Minister Bonnici thanked all the participating artists in the festival while congratulating the winners of this year's edition. The Chairman of Festivals Malta, Aaron Zahra, the Executive Director of Festivals Malta, Frans Agius, the Chairman of the Mużika Mużika Board, Raymond Bugeja, and Artistic Director Paul Abela spoke about the success and level achieved by the festival and expressed their commitment to continue working to achieve new goals.
They encouraged both emerging and established singers, composers, authors, and bands to apply for the fourth edition of the festival and be part of its legacy. The 2023 edition was won by the song "Sabiħa," performed by Gianluca Bezzina, with lyrics by Joe Julian Farrugia and music by Philip Vella. The song "Jekk Mhux Int," performed by Drakard and Lisa Gauci, with lyrics by Emil Calleja Bayliss and music by Cyprian Cassar, ranked second, while the song "M'Hawnx Bħalek," performed by Jasmine Abela, with lyrics by Philip Vella and music by Glen Vella, ranked third.
During the press conference, commemorative trophies were also presented to Ryan Paul Abela for Best Song Arrangement, for the song "Fuq Pultruna," performed, written, and composed by Mark Micallef Costa, and to Jasmine Abela for Best Song Interpretation, for the song "M'Hawnx Bħalek."
The composers of the songs that ranked first, second, and third were awarded €20,000, €10,000, and €5,000, respectively.
The fourth edition of Mużika Mużika will take place between March 14 and 16, 2024. Applications can be found on www.muzikamuzika.mt
New Devil's Breath song featured on Santa Sangre Magazine
On July 3rd, Devil's Breath released a new track on the compilation organized by the webzine Santa Sangre Magazine. The compilation, titled "Santa Sangre Magazine Presents: Voices From Beyond," features a diverse range of artists and can be found here. The track by Devil's Breath, titled "Death Is Unavoidable, Birth Is Not," can be found as the 32nd track on the album. You can listen to it directly here.
While the style of Devil's Breath can be described as Drone Noise Ambient, this particular song stands out from typical releases in the genre. It incorporates harmonious melodies that create a contrast with the raw and harsh elements present throughout the track.
Il-Festa Ta' Andrew
The family of artist and musician Andrew Schembri has requested that attendees wear white, light, or colorful attire at his funeral on Saturday. Schembri, known as the guitarist for the innovative local band Brikkuni and recognized for his intricate light installations as part of the artistic duo Late Interactive, passed away last Friday at the age of 29. The funeral will be held on Saturday, July 8, at 9 am at the Żurrieq parish church. The unexpected loss of Schembri has deeply saddened the local artistic community, and heartfelt tributes have poured in from fellow artists, actors, and musicians who fondly remembered their collaborations with him.
David, Schembri's older brother, shared funeral details in an email and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming affection and support received over the past few days. He acknowledged that while Andrew's absence is immeasurable, it brings some solace to know that he touched countless lives with his radiant presence. David requested that everyone keep Andrew, his family, and his numerous friends in their thoughts and prayers.
Describing Andrew as a "kind, intelligent, passionate, creative young man," David reflected on his brother's qualities. Andrew's final public performance with Brikkuni, the band he joined in 2018, occurred just 10 days ago when they opened for the popular Ukrainian gypsy-punk band Gogol Bordello. Andrew, who would have turned 30 in September, was the youngest of three brothers.
In memory of Schembri, the family suggests making donations to the Richmond Foundation or Għaqda Residenti taż-Żurrieq. The latter is an association established by Żurrieq residents to raise funds for a court appeal against a planning permit that approved the development of Nigret farmland.
Deepest condolences to family and friends.
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