On this day, 17 years ago, Malta lost an icon – the ghannej (folksinger) Fredu Abela, more commonly known as l-Bamboccu. Fredu passed away on 9^th November 2003 at just 59 years of age.

In a Times of Malta opinion piece shortly after his passing in 2003, he was described as “one of the key figures in the adaptation of the traditional, humorous makkjetta to the taste (and the lives) of modern radio audiences.”

Fredu rose to stardom in his 20s, at a time when the industrialisation of the islands was changing the context of ghana as it was undergoing creative transition to a form that sang of more modern times. Like many other folksingers, he didn’t come from a “peasant” background, rather he had been in the navy, dabbled in construction and then a bar-owner. His ability to tell a story in detail and capture his audience was admired by many, especially during what was called ghana spirtu pront – a singing martial art of sorts.

His “strangely, hoarse-but-musical voice” is missed, 17 years on. We hope he’s entertaining all those who have passed on to a better life. We’re sure it’s a party up there with Fredu l-Bamboccu.