L-Għanja tal-Poplu (People's Ode Song Contest) is an annual Maltese festival celebrating original songs composed in the Maltese language.https://www.ghanjatalpoplu.org/
History First organized by Youth Travel Circle (YTC) on 5 May 1973 at the St. Albert College in Valletta, the song has evolved into a prominent platform that promotes Maltese culture, language, and music by offering local composers, lyricists, and performers the opportunity to present their work to a wide audience.
L-Għanja tal-Poplu was founded as a means to foster the creation and appreciation of original Maltese songs. From its inception, the festival was envisioned as a celebration of the Maltese language and culture, providing a space for both emerging and established artists to share their musical expressions. Over the decades, the event has maintained its commitment to artistic quality and originality while adapting to changing musical landscapes.
Founded by Rev. Maurice Mifsud. Initially the contest had to register as YTC members. From 1987 onward, the contest took a national dimension. The competing songs are sung primarily in Maltese and are written either by the singers themselves or other songwriters. In the 1990s the contest started being transmitted on local television stations.
Trophy The main trophy, in rosewood, citrus wood, brass and acrylic was designed by Donald Friggieri in 1987. It is awarded to the singer of the winning song, held for one year and then passed on to the singer of the winning entry the following year.
Venue At present the competition is being organised in mid-summer in Pjazza Teatru Rjal with all the songs being accompanied by the Malta Concert Orchestra. Previously, it had been held in Sala Temi Zammit at the University of Malta.
Format and Objectives The festival serves as a contest and cultural event where participants are invited to submit original compositions. Key objectives include:
Promoting the creation of high-quality Maltese songs. Providing a platform for composers, lyricists, and performers to reach a growing audience. Fostering community engagement and cultural exchange through music.
Each edition of L-Għanja tal-Poplu features regulated submission periods, public performances, and a final show that showcases selected finalists. The festival has no restrictions on theme or style as long as the songs are original and performed in Maltese.
Organization This contest is today organised by the voluntary organisation L-Għanja tal-Poplu and also supported by Arts Council Malta.
Key figures include:
Dun Maurice Mifsud – Founder and long-time organizer, whose continuous involvement since the inaugural edition has been instrumental in shaping the festival’s direction. Carmelo Schembri - Chairperson of L-Għanja tal-Poplu and leading the organisation since 1990. Alexia Cutajar Conti – Serving as secretary since 2002, she has played a central role in maintaining communications between the organizing committee and the participants. Dr. Ingrid Vella – A committee member who contributes to the festival’s innovation and renewal, bridging artistic pursuits with academic insight. Other members include Noel Damato (Production Manager), Anton Miceli (Assistant Administrator), Mark Grech (Committee Member). Non-Committee Members : Prof Manwel Mifsud, and Tony Micallef (Media Coordinator and Archivist).
Impact and Legacy L-Għanja tal-Poplu has played a significant role in the Maltese cultural landscape by: Enhancing the visibility of Maltese language music. Supporting the careers of local artists. Serving as a community-building event that celebrates Maltese identity. Encouraging innovation while preserving traditional elements in songwriting and performance. The festival’s long-running success is often attributed to its inclusive approach, allowing for diverse musical expressions while adhering to quality and originality requirements.
Winners 2026 Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 1 August 2026TVM News 02Aug26 On-Line: https://tvmnews.mt/news/cherylis-tirbah-il-50-edizzjoni-ta-l-ghanja-tal-poplu/ retrieved 02Aug26 1st place: Cherylis: " Mara" (written and composed by Corazon) 2nd place: Lon Kirkop and Mark Cahia: "Requiem Stradalis" (written and composed by Lon Kirkop and Mark Cahia ) 3rd place: Mark Tonna and Leontine: "Ħallejna" (written by Rita Pace and composed by Andrew Zahra) Best Singer/Songwriter: Lon Chircop and Mark Cahia for the song "Requiem Stradalis" Best Social Theme: Lon Chircop and Mark Cahia for the song "Requiem Stradalis" Enzo Gusman award for best interpretation: Cherylis for the song "Mara" Broadcaster's Award: Mark Tonna and Leontine for the song "Ħallejna" (written by Rita Pace and composed by Andrew Zahra)
2025 Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 2 August 2025The Times 03 August 2025:‘Narakom l-Infern’ wins L-Għanja tal-Poplu festival. On-Line: https://timesofmalta.com/article/narakom-linfern-wins-lghanja-talpoplu-festival.1114098 Retrieved 03Aug25 1st place: Rita Pace : " Narakom L-Infern" (written by Rita Pace and composed by Augusto Cardinali) 2nd place: Mark Tonna : "Moħħi Mistieħ" (written by Mark Tonna and composed by Andrew Zahra) 3rd place: Mark Spiteri Lucas and Mark Micallef Costa: "Skuri u Ċari" (written and composed by Mark Spiteri Lucas and Mark Micallef Costa) Best Singer/Songwriter: Daryl James for the song "Aħfirli" Best Social Theme: Peppi Azzopardi for the song "Għad Għandi Erba' Snin" Enzo Gusman award for best interpretation: Cherylis for the song "Inħobbok Wisq" Broadcaster's Award: Kayley Cuschieri for the song "Ersaq 'l Hawn" Special guest singer, author and composer Joe Demicoli, was awarded " L-Għanja Li Tibqa’ " for his outstanding contribution to the Maltese Music Scene throughout his long career. 2024 Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 3 August 2024Frederick Zammit - Newsbook 04 August 2024 : “Kanzunetta li tfisser ħafna għalija; dedikata lil ommi” – Laura Bruno tirbaħ L-Għanja tal-Poplu On-Line: https://newsbook.com.mt/kanzunetta-li-tfisser-hafna-ghalija-dedikata-lil-ommi-laura-bruno-tirbah-l-ghanja-tal-poplu/ . Retrieved:04 August 2024 1st place: Laura Bruno : " Għażiża " (written by Mark Spiteri Lucas and composed by Mark Spiteri Lucas) 2nd place: Florence Aquilina : "Namra" (written by Florence Aquilina and composed by Florence Aquilina 3rd place: Dario Bezzina : "Fissidni" (written by Dario Bezzina and composed by Dario Bezzina) Best Singer/Songwriter: Florence Aquilina for the song "Namra" Best Social Theme: Lon Kirkop for the song "Straight" Enzo Gusman award for best interpretation: Laura Bruno for the song " Għażiża " Special guest singer Renato Micallef, was awarded " L-Għanja Li Tibqa’ " for his outstanding contribution to the Maltese Music Scene throughout his long career.
2023 Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 5 August 2023Monique Zammit - Newsbook 06 July 2023:Christian Arding crowned winner of 47th edition of L-Għanja tal-Poplu. On-Line: https://newsbook.com.mt/en/christian-arding-crowned-winner-of-47th-edition-of-l-ghanja-tal-poplu/#:~:text=Singer%20Christian%20Arding%20has%20won,Award%20for%20the%20best%20interpretation. Retrieved: 29Nov2023 1st place: Christian Arding : " Il-Baħħ u Jien " (written by Natasha Grima and composed by Natasha Grima and Charlene Grech) 2nd place: Mark Spiteri Lucas and Debbie Scerri : "Meravilja" (written by Emil Calleja Bayliss and composed by Mark Spiteri Lucas 3rd place: Laura Bruno : "Katina" (written by Paul Ellul and composed by Mark Spiteri Lucas) Best Singer/Songwriter: Jean Claude Vancell for the song "Monokrom" Best Social Theme: Lon Kirkop for the song "Għadu Ma Sarx" Enzo Gusman award for best interpretation: Christian Arding for the song " Il-Baħħ u Jien " Spacial guest singer Merga (Merga Galea) was awarded " L-Għanja Li Tibqa’ " for her outstanding contribution to the Maltese Music Scene throughout her long career.
2022 Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 30 July 2022 1st place: Alexia Micallef : "Fil-Kexxun" (written by Lon Kirkop and composed by Lon Kirkop) 2nd place: Marija Bellia : "Ismi" (written by Iona Dalli and Maria Bellia and composed by Iona Dalli and Maria Bellia) 3rd place: MARA : "Ħelu Manna" (written by Emil Calleja Bayliss and composed by Philip Vella) Best Singer/Songwriter: Maria Bellia for the song "Ismi" Best Social Theme: Joe Julian Farrugia for the song "Mr X" Special guest singer, author and composer Tony Camilleri was awarded "L-Għanja Li Tibqa’" for his outstanding contribution to the Maltese Music Scene throughout his long career.
2021 Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 7 August 2021 -Frederick Zammit- Newsbook - 08 August 2021.Retrieved 15 October 2021 1st place: Sean Borg : "Fuq L-Ixkaffa" (written by Philippa Naudi and composed by Bettina Muchmore) 2nd place: Haley Azzopardi : "Is-Sirena Li Welldet it-Tama" (written by Paul Ellul and composed by Mark Spiteri Lucas) 3rd place: MeadowStrings : "Niftakar" (written by Mario Camilleri and composed by Magdalene Farrugia) Best Singer/Songwriter: MeadowStrings : "Niftakar" (written by Mario Camilleri and composed by Magdalene Farrugia) Best Social Theme: Mark Laurence Zammit : "Se Nirranġaw" sung by Dominic Cini and Anna Azzopardi (written by Mark Laurence Zammit and composed by Mark Laurence Zammit) Best Interpretation Award: Dario & Grecia Bezzina : "Il-Bajtar Sar" (written by Rita Pace and composed by Dario Bezzina) Special guest singer, author and composer Enzo Gusman awarded " L-Għanja Li Tibqa’ " for his outstanding contribution to the Maltese Music Scene throughout his long career.
2020 Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 11 September 2020 -Luke Giles Marilyn Aquilina Wins L-Ghanja Tal-Poplu 2020 on-line:http://escflashmalta.com/2020/09/14/marilyn-aquilina-wins-2020-l-ghanja-tal-poplu/#:~:text=Singer%2Dsongwriter%20Marilyn%20Aquilina%20has,broadcast%20on%20Friday%2C%20September%2011th.Retrieved 13Nov20 1st place: Marilyn Aquilina : "Jiena u Int" (written by Marilyn Aquilina and composed by Mariliyn Aquilina) 2nd place: Rita Pace : "Sant'Antnin" (written by Rita Pace and composed by Rita Pace) 3rd place: Sarah Micallef Muscat : "Sakemm Sibt Garaxx" (written by Frederick Camilleri and composed by Augusto Cardinali) Best Singer/Songwriter: Jean Claude Vancell : "F'Dirghajk" (written by and composed by Jean Claude Vancell) Best Interpretation Award: Kemmuna Airways : "Ħass u Basal" (written by Rita Pace and composed by Rita Pace) Best Social Theme: JAMM Band : "Normalita' Ġdida" sung by JAMM Band (written by Mark Cachia and composed by Mark Cachia)
2019 Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 31 August 2019TVM Philip Vella wins 43rd. Edition of L-Ghanja tal-Poplu. on-line: https://www.tvm.com.mt/en/news/watch-philip-vella-wins-43rd-edition-of-l-ghanja-tal-poplu/ Retrieved 13Nov2020 1st place: Philip Vella : "Il-Verita'" (written by Philip Vella and composed by Philip Vella) 2nd place: Cherylis : "Tfewwaħ" (written by Cherylis Camilleri & Emil Calleja Bayliss and composed by Cherylis Camilleri & Philip Vella) 3rd place: Rachel Lowell : "Minn Kajfas Għal Għand Pilatu" (written by Rachel Lowell & Emil Calleja Bayliss and composed by Rachel Lowell & Philip Vella) Best Original Song: Rachel Lowell : "Minn Kajfas Għal Għand Pilatu" (written by Rachel Lowell & Emil Calleja Bayliss and composed by Rachel Lowell & Philip Vella) Best Singer/Songwriter: Cherylis : "Tfewwaħ" (written by Cherylis Camilleri & Emil Calleja Bayliss and composed by Cherylis Camilleri & Philip Vella) Best Interpretation Award: Janice Mangion : "Għadu Mhux Il-Waqt" (written by Emil Calleja Bayliss and composed by Mark Scicluna)
2018 Held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, 1 September 2018escflashnalta GħTP 2018: Third Time's a Charm for Michela Galea by Luke Giles Sunday, 02 September 2018 22:29 On-Line https://escflashmalta.com/music-events/local-music-competitions/l-ghanja-tal-poplu/item/4441-ghtp-2018-third-times-a-charm-for-michela-galea.html Retrieved 22Sep2018