Mario Vella – Why I won’t repent

I feel no regret at the brouhaha that has ensued after the deliberately vulgar and exaggerated comment I penned on my personal Facebook page on Saturday. I alone have to answer for that page, to the contrary of others with the benefit – a dangerous one at that – of the favour from politics and the press.

Anyone who follows my artistic journey, humble though it is but more influential than the talentless who ply their trade, knows of the mark left by Brikkuni’s music: it’s not just the songs we write, but a certain political ethos we invest in the project, a dissidence that is desperately missing in the local artistic scene.

It’s this same dissidence that attracted me to my favourite songwriters, who offended their own musical and political antagonists with pleasure, who were able to alternate between the elegance of pure poetry and the brusque reality of the language of the street.

Many think – and for this they can kiss my behind – that this pretention of mine means I’m some braggart of the local music scene. They may be right, but I’d be a charlatan if I had to be disloyal to the anarchic spirit that Brikkuni’s music represents.

I’m not sorry about what I wrote. I’m sorry for those who don’t see these charity events as nothing but an exercise in self-promotion intended at inflating politicians’ egos. I say this in full knowledge that in a few years’ time I will be facing a difficult situation brought about by my own chronic medical condition: and I won’t beat about the bush – when that day comes, I trust that God will take me rather than having to worship these fools who exploit other people’s misery just to win the public’s favour.

I was told I’m being sexist for having referred to genitals in my comment. Had it been the male genitalia (as I’ve done in the past) would that have been sexist too? Or is it convenience that dictates these accusations? If these critics have the feminist movement at heart, should they not question why the authoritative female voices of the progressive party are taking their time to come out in favour of the morning after pill or abortion?

It would have been better for Michelle to put in her two cents’ worth on this issue alone, instead of playing the sophisticated First Lady (not that I care much about sophistication, but since this chestnut has also been brought up…).

I’d say it is simply incredible that while this country is submerged under environmental exploitation and a host of political scandals, it is my head that has to roll. You can have it all you want, but it won’t come cheap.

Thank you Glenn Bedingfield and One news for the photos of me you chose: I’m single and I’m sure the promotion will work.

Farsons can kiss my ass too: we’ve been going strong for 10 years and the world won’t come apart just now. Even if Brikkuni disbanded now it wouldn’t be the end anyway. You don’t sell out consistency with this kind of bullshit.

Mario Vella
Brikkuni frontman