Online applications for Mużika Mużika – Festival Kanzunetta Maltija open on Wednesday 28th October and clearly it’s the festival that our composers have been waiting for, with the event already attracting a substantial amount of interest from artists of all music genres.
This is a unique opportunity for composers of Maltese music to cast their application to be part of a prestigious event that is completely dedicated to honouring music in our own languge. But hurry! Applications are open until Friday 30th October!
Mużika Mużika, in fact, is fast turning out to be the festival revelation of its time, as for the first time in years it is going back to its original purpose, that of offering a strong showcase to local artists and Maltese music.
The roots of Muzika Muzika
The festival sees its origins back in the 1960s, and had built a reputation for presenting the best in Maltese music, before it evolved into the Malta Song For Europe to target an international audience. But now, Festivals Malta are determined to restore it to its legacy, shining a spotlight solely on compositions in the Maltese language.
This year’s edition
Mr Bugeja, Chairman of Mużika Mużika, explains that while 35 songs will be chosen from those applied, only 20 will make it to the semi-final. “The festival will be divided into various phases, and all participants who cast in their application will have the opportunity to be evaluated by the expert panel. These will be short-listed to 35, and then to a further 20 for the semi-finals, before we arrive to the grand finale,” Mr Bugeja said.
The winner and two runners-up are looking at very attractive prizes that include both a cash gift – €10,000 for the winner, and €5,000 and €3,000 for the second and third placed composition respectively. There will also be prizes awarded to the best song interpretation and the best musical arrangement.
“Moreover, every participant that makes it to the final will be awarded €500. This is not to be considered as a prize, but rather as a means to support the artists in any expenses that they may have incurred in order to take part in the festival,” Mr Bugeja explained. “We are aware that the process of taking part in a festival at such a high standard requires a particular process that can put a financial strain on an artist.”
“Participants will experience the whole package that comes with being part of a world-class music festival, from professional set design, to top-notch sound and lighting, television exposure, an orchestra at their disposal, a fully-equipped location and a wholly professional production,” Mr Bugeja continued.
The festival welcomes all types of music genres, including but not limited to ballads, pop, rock, rap, etc. Bands, he added, are also highly encouraged to apply, as the festival seeks to welcome all those elements that form an integral part of the Maltese music scene.
This will be the first time that a festival that is completely focused on music in the Maltese language is being presented in this manner, offering artists the entire package from venue to logistics, orchestra and technology, together with the opportunity of a live performance and the particiipation of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
Go on, apply!
Mużika Mużika takes place on the 18, 19 and 20 March, 2021, and applications are open between Wednesday 28 October and Friday 30 October. Applications can be accessed on www.muzikamuzika.org/applikazzjoni. Do make sure to check out the regulations prior to submission so as to make sure you’re in line with the requirements.
This is an article by Festivals Malta with research and contribution done by Ramona Depares.