Christmas music in Malta has long served as a vessel for cultural expression, communal celebration, and spiritual reflection. Over the decades, local artists, choirs, and musicians have contributed to the festive soundscape, offering albums and songs that balance tradition and contemporary artistry. Among the noteworthy contributors, the group X-Tend occupies a special place with their innovative and heartfelt Christmas releases.
Maltese Christmas Albums Over the Years
One of the most significant contributions to Malta's Christmas music tradition was the 2013 release of Ħelu Bambin. This compilation featured 21 tracks, blending original songs with Maltese adaptations of international Christmas hits. Artists such as Chiara, Enzo Gusman, Ludwig Galea, Mary Spiteri, and Ivan Grech participated, creating a spiritually focused album. Its proceeds supported Dar tal-Providenza, a charitable institution, emphasizing the spirit of giving at the heart of Christmas.
Similarly, Peter Calamatta’s Peter Calamatta Sings Your Favourite Christmas Songs, released the same year, showcased 19 well-loved carols, including a Maltese rendition. Produced by Elton Zarb, this album contributed to the Millennium Chapel in St Julian’s, reflecting Calamatta’s dedication to community causes.
The Mary’s Angels Choir added to the festive spirit with Il-Kewkba li Ddiet. This album featured traditional Maltese carols and supported the Kampanja Familji fil-Bżonn, helping families in need while preserving the country's musical heritage.
In a modern pop context, Emma Muscat’s Moments Christmas Edition (2018) reimagined festive classics such as "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and "Let It Snow," alongside her earlier hits, introducing a youthful vibrancy to the Maltese Christmas music scene.
The Enduring Charm of Maltese Carols
Maltese traditional Christmas songs have stood the test of time. Ninni La Tibkix Iżjed, penned by Jesuit Indri Schembri in the 19th century, remains a cornerstone of Christmas celebrations in Malta. Songs like Ġesu Ħelwa Tarbija and others evoke the intimate and spiritual essence of the holiday season, often performed in churches and family gatherings.
X-Tend: Icons of Maltese Christmas Music
X-Tend’s contributions to Maltese Christmas music have been both prolific and impactful. Their album Sbieħ il-Milied remains a hallmark of their artistry, featuring tracks like Tini Tini Zmien il-Milied, which blend heartfelt lyrics with contemporary arrangements. The group’s ability to infuse traditional Maltese sentiments with modern musical styles has made their work stand out in Malta’s festive music landscape.
Another milestone for X-Tend was their album Ilwien il-Milied. This collection showcased the group’s versatility, offering a mix of festive joy and introspection. The album was characterized by its lush arrangements and evocative storytelling, which resonated deeply with audiences during the holiday season.
X-Tend’s music exemplified the Maltese approach to Christmas—celebrating the joy of togetherness while reflecting on the deeper meanings of the season. Their albums have not only entertained but also nurtured a sense of cultural pride among listeners.
The Maltese Christmas music tradition is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of community spirit, religious devotion, and artistic innovation. From charitable albums like Ħelu Bambin to the dynamic contributions of X-Tend, Malta’s festive songs and albums have continually evolved while honoring their roots. As X-Tend’s work illustrates, Christmas music in Malta is more than entertainment—it is a celebration of identity, faith, and generosity.
While X-tend entertained crowds with a jam-packed schedule of shows this year, The New Victorians released an album of Maltese carols. The album features 11 re-imagined Maltese carols, recorded live with the accompaniment of a six-piece band at the charming Bir Miftuh Chapel in Gudja. Including well-loved songs like Gesu Helwa Tarbija and Ninni La Tibkix Izjed, the recording blended Malta’s rich festive musical traditions with the warmth of a live performance, capturing the Christmas spirit with a refreshing twist. The album's release coincided with the duo’s Chapel Hop Concerts held between the 5th and 8th of December, which, for the first time, included a multicultural choir enhancing their magical live performances.
I am certain there are many more songs and releases worthy of mention, such as Freddie Portelli’s Christmas contributions. However, as with many aspects of our local music culture, there is a significant lack of information and documentation. Over the past year, our team has worked diligently to unearth and highlight Malta's rich yet under-documented cultural heritage, and we are committed to continuing this effort in the years to come.
I would like to take this moment to thank all our readers for your support and for engaging with the articles we publish. Your encouragement means so much to us and provides the motivation we need to keep going.
On behalf of the entire Melodija team, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Noel Mifsud
20th December 2024
Bibliography
"Christmas songs." Malta Music Memory Project [M3P].
"A Christmas CD for charity." Times of Malta, 2013.
URL: https://timesofmalta.com/article/A-Christmas-CD-for-charity.498267
"Ħelu Bambin 2: A Christmas CD Compilation in Aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza." Dar tal-Providenza.
"Launching of new album." GVSoM.
"Peter Calamatta releases Christmas album." Times of Malta, 2013.
URL: https://timesofmalta.com/article/Peter-Calamatta-releases-Christmas-album.499294
"Emma Muscat Is Releasing A Christmas Album Full Of Your Favourite Singalongs." Lovin Malta, 2018.
"Top 5 Most Popular Maltese Christmas Songs." Love Malta, 2023.
URL: https://lovemalta.com/top-5-most-popular-maltese-christmas-songs/
Sbieħ il-Milied. Discogs.
URL: https://www.discogs.com/release/13776029-X-Tend-Sbie%C4%A7-il-Milied
Ilwien il-Milied. Discogs.
URL: https://www.discogs.com/master/3147123-X-Tend-Ilwien-Il-Milied
Christmas comes early! The New Victorians release their album of Maltese carols by Francesca Vella . GuideMeMalta.com
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