'Nistaqsi' wins sixth edition of Mużika Mużika

The sixth edition of Mużika Mużika has ended with 'Nistaqsi', performed by Jasmine, winning the top prize. The song was written by Philip Vella with music composed by Glen Vella.

'Niftakarna', performed by Daniel Cauchi, came in second place, while 'Int u Jien', performed by Kevin Paul, finished third. Cauchi also picked up the Best Performance award for 'Niftakarna', while Edward Mifsud received the Best Musical Arrangement award for 'Nistaqsi', both chosen by the festival's expert jury.

"The show we offered this year was of the highest level, as always. I am grateful to our artists, who deliver outstanding performances every year. I am sure the audience and the jury did not find it easy to choose the winning song, because all the songs were of a professional standard. This is what makes Mużika Mużika a truly world-class festival," said Ray Bugeja, Chairman of Mużika Mużika.

For the first time in its history, the festival was broadcast across five local stations, TVM, ONE, FLiving, Smash TV and Xejk TV, with an additional broadcast on TVM+ in Maltese Sign Language.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said Mużika Mużika showed that Maltese culture was not a thing of the past but a living present and a future for coming generations. He said the festival gave Maltese artists a space to become better known and to contribute to the country's cultural history.

"Art is not a luxury but an identity, a strength, a future and Mużika Mużika unites us, lifts us, and reminds us who we are: Maltese, first and foremost. Melody is the voice of our identity and our language," he said.

Festivals Malta Chairman Aaron Zahra thanked all staff involved in putting the festival together and extended appreciation to the technicians, artists, composers, authors and presenters who took part.

Chief Executive Frans Agius said the festival had reached thousands of viewers and drawn numerous positive comments from audience members in the hall. "This is proof of the national level this festival has managed to reach, and we look forward to seeing it reach new goals," he said.

Artistic Director Paul Abela said the festival gave Maltese artists a worthy platform to present their compositions. "I am satisfied with the level we saw, both in the sixteen original songs and in the performances during the classics evening," he said.