The finalists of this year's L-Għanja tal-Poplu – Festival tal-Kanzunetta Maltija have been announced. The judging panel this year was made up of Adrian Mamo, David Azzopardi, Martina Caruana, Miriam Cassar, Noel D’Anastas and Vince Fabri.
The festival, which this year is in its 40th edition, will take place over two nights in July at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta. On Thursday, July 7, the 18 songs listed below will compete to be among the 12 songs that will feature in the final proper on Saturday, July 9, on which night the outright winners of this year's edition will be announced.
Song Author Composer
Bħal Tifla Zghira Rita Pace Marco Debono
Ħabta u Sabta Andy Muscat Mark Scicluna
Ħallejt il-Passi Wrajk Paul Ellul Glen Vella
Ħanini Walter Micallef Walter Micallef
Id-Dieher Augusto Cardinali Augusto Cardinali
Il-Biża' u Jien Rita Pace Pamela Bezzina
Is-Sinjur Emil Calleja Bayliss Mark Scicluna
Jien Biss Joe Julian Farrugia Dominic Cini
Ma Ninsiex Joe Julian Farrugia Augusto Cardinali
Mellisni Joe Chircop Mark Spiteri Lucas
Ngħidlek Joe Julian Farrugia Miriam Christine
Pupa tal-Plastik Paul Ellul Marco Debono
Ta' Billejl Paul Ellul Mark Spiteri Lucas
Tama Shyli, Jasmar, Kapitlu 13 DJ Mac, David Leguesse, Shyli
Taptipa fuq l-Ispallejn Emil Calleja Bayliss Pamela Bezzina
Waħdi Miegħek Ingrid Vella Kaya
Xagħar Twil Ingrid Vella Mark Laurence Zammit
X'Se Jsir? Corazon Mizzi Corazon Mizzi
The festival is organized by the L-Għanja tal-Poplu committee with the support of Spazju Kreattiv, Arts Council Malta and PBS, with the latter also making its resident orchestra available for the event. .
Details of which singers will be performing the songs will be announced shortly.