Ritmu Roots Festival is a celebration of folk music and our communal heritage with authentic and contemporary performances and innovative interpretations, presentations and discussions.
On May 22, for example, you can head to Floriana Bocci club to hear guitarists and practitioners of the għana (expressive Maltese folk singing) as they present an improvised lyrical singing duel known as għana spirtu pront. Traditionally known as a serata, the event also provides the opportunity for singers and dilettanti (dedicated followers of the tradition) to meet. You can even try your hand at boċċi – traditionally boċċi clubs have been a haven for għana performers who would occasionally convene at for a serata or a Sunday morning singing session.
This is followed by, on May 23, a chance to meet folk singer Jesmond Galea ‘Tal-Kalora’, one of Malta’s most renowned għana practitioners, and his guitarists in an interactive event with both traditional music, and discussion on the art of għana.
You are also invited to discover stories from the ongoing research into Il-Kumittiva, a lesser-known yet vibrant carnival dance tradition with roots in ancient fertility rituals. Still performed in Xagħra around the area of the Church of the Nazarene – and until recently in San Lawrenz, it consists of cyclical, paired movements in sequence and will be accompanied by the lively sounds of Gozitan daqqaqa (Traditional Maltese Folk Guitarists) playing the accordion, tambourines, and the traditional żafżafa (friction drum). Traditionally part of carnival festivities Il-Kumittiva ta’ Nazzarenu features nine distinct dances, lasting over an hour, which you will have the chance to learn. Among them are the Labranzetta, Is-Salib, Il-Bixkilla, L-Ingliża—each characterized by circular and tunnel formations, culminating around a maypole adorned with a basket of fruit or flowers. Originally performed exclusively by men, younger dancers would often elegant dresses to adopt a female persona.
Other events in the packed four-day programme add an international flavour to the festival: duo Tarta Relena share their creative process, blending Mediterranean-inspired a cappella with songs in Catalan, Spanish, Greek, Latin, English, and Ladino, whilst Pliri Ntaxei, a ‘classic ensemble’ from Greece, perform as a trio on the bouzouki, guitar, and baglama. Hailing from Thessaloniki, the musicians reinterpret the music of the 1930s and also compose original pieces inspired by Greek traditional music dating back to the early 20th century. Much of this historic sound was recorded not only in Greece but also in the USA and Istanbul (former Constantinople) by its vibrant diaspora. They will also offer an insightful overview of the socio-political landscape that shaped the development of rebétiko culture, the urban popular songs of the poorest strata of Greek society from the late 19th century to the 1950s and consider the life and legacy of Dimitris Gkogos – ‘Bagianteras’ – a Greek rebétiko music pioneer.
More on these and other events taking place as part of the Ritmu Roots festival.
Ritmu is supported by the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government and Visit Malta.
