The Argotti Gardens are renowned for hosting performances of għana u prejjem (chant and guitar playing). Annual folk festivals, both here and elsewhere, have long welcomed well-known għannejja (folk singers) who entertain audiences with their improvised lyrics.
Passionate dilettanti (aficionados) closely follow these singers, memorizing and appreciating their spontaneous verses. Accompanied by intertwining guitar melodies, għannejja engage in lyrical duels, impressing audiences with their quick wit and poetic skill—crafting words destined to be remembered.
This year, Ritmu Roots Festival proudly invites some of the most renowned singers and guitarists to showcase għana spirtu pront in its traditional form, blending poetry and entertainment in an unforgettable performance.
23rd May:
Għanejja: Jesmond Galea ‘tal-Kalora’, Colin Schembri ‘l-Boots’, Gabriel Briffa ‘z-Zezin’ u Toni Cutajar ‘tal-Pikkolin’
Guitarists: Kalċidon Vella ‘ta' Mustaċċa’, Mark Vella ‘ta' Mustaċċa’ u Denise Cachia Vella 'ta' Kalċ'
24th May:
Għanejja: Frans Cachia 'l-Budaj', Raymond Laferla 'r-Ruman', Toni Cutajar 'tal-Pikkolin' u Joe Busuttil 'il-Bużu'
Kitarristi: Karol Aquilina 'ta' Nofsillejl' u George Aquilina 'ta' Nofsillejl'.