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Music mania! A look back at Isle of MTV’s history in Malta

Tonight’s concert marks the 15th edition of Isle of MTV in Malta

By Francesca Vella 16 July, 2024

Tonight is a big night for music lovers, as tens of thousands will gather at the Granaries in Floriana to sing and dance along to the tunes performed by world-renowned artists DJ Snake, RAYE and Nelly Furtado at the annual music festival, Isle of MTV. But how long has the music festival been around?

Isle of MTV hasn’t always been held in Malta – it started in 2002 in Lisbon, Portugal, and till 2005, was held annually in France, Spain and Italy. 2007 was the year that the massive music festival first came to Malta, featuring Akon, Maroon 5 and Enrique Iglesias. The popular local artist Ira Losco also performed at the event that year.

Throughout the past 14th editions of Isle of MTV in Malta, several other artists have lit up the Granaries with their music and the adoring screams of their fans – here are some of the favourites:

Lady Gaga – 2008, 2009

First performed at Isle of MTV in 2008 with the iconic ‘Poker Face’ and, after skyrocketing to fame, returned for some more in 2009.

One Republic – 2008, 2023

Also rocked the Isle of MTV stage twice – once in 2008 and returning 15 years later in 2023.

Enrique Iglesias – 2007, 2008, 2014

Performed at Isle of MTV Malta for a whopping three times, in 2007, 2008 and returning in 2014.

The Black Eyed Peas – 2009

Performed in 2009, with will.i.am returning as a solo act in 2012.

David Guetta – 2010

To much excitement, the French DJ David Guetta performed on the Maltese stage in 2010.

Scissor Sisters – 2010

The pop band, best known for the song 'I Don't Feel Like Dancin'', also performed in 2010.

Snoop Dogg – 2005, 2011

The American rapper with fame dating back to the early 90s, performed twice at Isle of MTV - once in 2005 and again in 2011.

Jason Derulo – 2015, 2018

Isle of MTV Malta also welcomed Jason Derulo twice, first in 2015 and returning three years later in 2018.

Martin Garrix – 2015, 2019

The young Dutch DJ first performed at Isle of MTV Malta during his rise to fame in 2015, returning to wow the crowds in 2019.

Wiz Khalifa – 2016

The prolific American rapper performed in Malta in 2016, after having been nominated for several Grammy awards over his career.

Marshmello – 2022

Marshmello brought his groove-oriented electronic dance music to Isle of MTV in 2022.

Nelly Furtado – 2012, 2024

Nelly Furtado is returning to Isle of MTV this year after having performed at the festival 12 years ago.

Making your way to Isle of MTV tonight? Here's some important information about what to expect when you get there!