A Guide for Music Lovers in Malta
Last Updated: Jan 28, 2024
Reading Time: 12 minutes
By: Shaun
Malta has a lot of musical diversity and a rich and varied musical history, influenced by its location, culture, and history. Malta has also embraced modern and contemporary music genres, creating a vibrant and eclectic music scene.
But how can you enjoy different music genres in Malta? Where can you find the best venues and events for each genre?
In this guide, we will answer all this question and more. We will show you how to enjoy different music genres in Malta, from classical to jazz, from rock to hip-hop, and more. Whether you are a casual listener or a hardcore fan, this guide will help you discover the musical diversity of Malta.
Concert at the Farsons Beer Festival
Electronic Music
Malta’s reputation as a party island will not disappoint any electronic music lovers visiting Malta, especially during the summer months when the various clubs and festivals will be full to capacity. Here are some events and clubs you should definitely consider visiting if you are into any type of electronic music.
Glitch Festival
Glitch Festival is an annual festival that features some of the best local and international artists and DJs that perform various genres of electronic music, such as techno, house, electro, and ambient. Its attractions are spread throughout the island but are most concentrated in Gianpula Village in Rabat.
In 2024, the festival will take place between the 13th and 16th of August.
Café del Mar
Café del Mar is a beach club that offers stunning views of the sea around St. Paul’s Bay. It has a large outdoor terrace that hosts live electronic music events every weekend during the summer months.
You can enjoy various genres of electronic music at Café del Mar, such as chill-out, lounge, deep house, and trance. Café del Mar also has an indoor area that features DJs, karaoke, and sports screenings.
Numero Uno
Uno Village
Numero Uno is a large and spacious venue that can accommodate up to 4,000 people. It has a main stage, a VIP area, a cocktail bar, and a food court. It hosts electronic music events every weekend during the summer months, as well as special events such as festivals, concerts, and carnivals. It features various genres of electronic music, such as house, techno, trance, and electro. It has also attracted some of the biggest names in electronic music, such as Tiesto, Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, and Martin Garrix.
It is also the venue for the popular Lost & Found festival, which will take place between June 29th and July 2nd, 2023.
Gianpula Village
Gianpula Village does not only host the Glitch Festival we mentioned above, but it’s a village in all respects. Gianpula is a complex of venues that can accommodate up to 6,000 people. It has a main stage, a pool area, a rooftop area, a club area, and a lounge area. It hosts mainly electronic music events every night during the summer months, as well as special events such as weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
Every weekend during the summer, you can expect to find some great sets covering various genres of electronic music, such as EDM, progressive house, deep house, and techno. It has also been the home to the Summer Daze Malta festival in August, which in the past has welcomed some of the best international DJs and artists, such as Carl Cox, Paul van Dyk, Roger Sanchez, and Solomun, amongst many others.
La Grotta
If you are in Gozo and feel like you need to dance the night away, then there is no other place to go than La Grotta. This nightclub is located on the road to Xlendi and is one of the most famous and popular nightclubs in Malta, as it offers a unique and spectacular setting for music and entertainment. Definitely not to be missed when visiting Gozo.
Hip-Hop Music
Hip-hop music is one of the most recent and innovative music genres in Malta. It reflects the voice of the streets, with its urban and edgy style, its social and cultural commentary, and its creative and diverse elements. Hip-hop music is also a sign of talent and ambition, as Malta has produced many skilled and successful hip-hop musicians, rappers, and producers.
Havana
Paceville | Image by Margaret Jones on Flickr
Havana is one of the leading and busiest nightclubs in Paceville, the nightlife hub of Malta. It is a place where you can dance the night away to the best of soul, hip-hop, and R&B music, performed by local and international DJs and artists. Havana is spread over two floors and has six lavish bars, large dance floors, and the capacity to cater for 3000 partygoers.
Within Havana, there is a separate area called Flashback that plays the best sounds of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s music eras. It is a place where you can relive the nostalgia and enjoy the classics of rock, pop, disco, and funk music. Flashback has its own bar and dance floor, and it also hosts themed nights and special events.
Pop Music
If you’re a fan of pop music, you’ll be delighted to know that Malta has plenty of events to keep you entertained throughout the year.
Isle of MTV
Isle Of MTV
The Isle of MTV is a yearly music festival that, as the name states, is produced in collaboration with MTV.
The festival is held at the Granaries in Floriana and features performances by some of the biggest stars that grace this popular TV channel. During the last few years, the festival has featured performances by Lady Gaga, The Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta, Jess Glynne, Jason Derulo, Martin Garrix, Rita Ora, Akon, Enrique Iglesias, and Nicole Scherzinger.
The dates and acts for the 2024 edition have not been announced at the time of writing, but expect it to happen in early or mid-summer.
Summer Lust 2024
Anastacia Live in Concert in 2015 | Image by Mark Kent on Flickr
One of the many festivals that happen in Malta throughout the years is the Summer Lust Music Festival. In 2024, the festival will bring two big names that need no introduction to the Maltese people. On May 17, the festival will welcome the renowned Italian singer-songwriter, Umberto Tozzi. As part of his Gloria Forever tour, Tozzi will for sure entertain the crowds with some of his iconic hits, which include “Gloria,” “Tu,” and “Ti Amo.”.
On Saturday, May 18, the American pop sensation Anastacia, whose recordings have sold over 50 million copies worldwide, will take the stage with an electrifying performance that will include hits like “Left Outside Alone,” “Sick and Tired,” “I’m Outta Love,” and “One Day in Your Life.”
The festival will be held in Ħal Għaxaq, a town in the south of Malta.
Jazz Music
Malta is not just about loud electronic, pop or hip-hop music. If jazz music is something that you enjoy more, then Malta has a number of options for you to explore and enjoy many talented jazz musicians while taking in Malta’s famous evening atmosphere. Here are some places and events you should not miss:
Valletta
The Bridge Bar | Image by Harald Philipp on Wikimedia Commons
Valletta has long been synonymous with fantastic evenings out listening to live jazz music, with jazz a firm favourite amongst the city’s discerning audiences. As Malta begins to gear up for another summer spent relaxing at Valletta’s numerous wine bars and bistros, we’ve put together a list of some of the best places to relax while listening to live jazz.
With venues like Bridge Bar, Babel Bistro, and Django Jazz Bar, there are no shortage of options for jazz lovers in the city.
The Malta Jazz Festival
Valletta is also the host of the Malta Jazz Festival, an annual festival that takes place in July. Over the years, it has featured some of the finest jazz musicians from around the world. The festival will be held between July 8 and 13, 2024.
Classical Music
Malta might be small, but it might surprise you that over the year it has a very rich programme of cultural events and festivals that cover many aspects of classical music. Here are some venues and events you should keep an eye on:
The Manoel Theatre
Manoel Theatre | Image by Otter on Wikimedia Commons
The Manoel Theatre is one of the oldest working theatres in Europe, dating back to 1731, and it’s the epicentre of classical music in Malta. It is a stunning baroque building that hosts a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, drama, comedy, and musicals.
The Manoel Theatre is also home to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, which performs regularly at the theatre. The Manoel Theatre is a must-see for anyone who appreciates classical music and elegant architecture.
Teatru Aurora and Teatru Astra
Malta’s sister island, Gozo, has not one but two theatres that together provide a rich calendar for classical music lovers. So make sure you check out the programmes at Teatru Aurora and Teatru Astra for their upcoming productions.
The Victoria International Arts Festival
If the two above theatres are not enough, then check out the events of the Victoria International Arts Festival. This month-long festival between June and July offers a diverse and varied programme of classical music, ranging from mediaeval to contemporary.
The programme includes works by famous composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, and Stravinsky, as well as works by lesser-known or local composers such as Camilleri, Vella Bondin, Grech, and Zammit. The programme also includes works in different genres and styles, such as opera, ballet, sacred music, folk music, and world music. The programme is designed to appeal to different audiences and tastes.
The Three Palaces Festival
St. John's Co-Cathedral | Image by Herbert Frank on Flickr
The Three Palaces Festival is an annual festival dedicated mainly to the early opera and music of Malta. The festival features many concerts of orchestral, choral, and chamber music from the baroque and classical periods. It also offers masterclasses, workshops, lectures, and exhibitions. The Three Palaces Festival is a great platform that showcases local and international talent and promotes cultural heritage and education.
The Three Palaces Festival in 2024 will take place between October 30 and November 3, in various locations across Malta, such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Archaeology Museum, and of course the Manoel Theatre.
Rock Music
Malta has a small but very tight knit rock and metal scene, with good majority of the people into this style of music also play an instrument or involved in a band. The small community didn’t keep back some entrepreneurs big and small to tap into this niche and here are some of the places you can indulge yourself in rock or metal music.
The Garage
The Garage is a legendary rock club that is located in Zebbug, a small town in the centre of Malta. It is one of the oldest and most authentic rock clubs in Malta, with a dark and gritty atmosphere, a large stage, and a loyal fan base. The Garage hosts live rock music events every weekend, with local and international rock bands and artists performing various genres of rock music such as hard rock, metal, punk, and grunge. The Garage is a mecca for rock music fans in Malta.
Rock the South
Rock the South is an annual festival usually held in April or May that takes place in Marsascala. This 3-day event features some of the best local rock bands and artists, as well as some international acts. Rock the South is one of the biggest and most popular rock music festivals in Malta, attracting thousands of rock music enthusiasts every year.
The Farsons Beer Festival
BNI At Farsons Beer Fest
The Farsons Beer Festival is an annual festival that takes place in July in Ta’ Qali National Park. It is one of the biggest and most popular music and beer festivals in Malta, featuring some of the best local music, beer, and entertainment.
The festival is a celebration of beer, with a large selection of beers produced and imported by Farsons, the leading brewery in Malta. You can enjoy various types of beer, such as lager, ale, stout, and cider, as well as some special and limited editions. You can also find a variety of food stalls that serve delicious and affordable food, such as burgers, pizza, pasta, and more.
The venue usually has two stages, with the second stage almost exclusively dedicated to alternative music and featuring many local artists from the rock and metal scene. The festival is held over 10 days in late July/early August and entrance to the grounds is usually free.
Other Music Genres
Malta is not limited to the music genres mentioned above. Malta also has a wide and varied musical spectrum, with many other music genres that cater to different tastes and preferences. Malta also has a curious and adventurous musical spirit, with many musicians and artists experimenting with new and different sounds and styles.
The Bubble
The Bubble is an annual festival that takes place in September in Gnejna Bay, a scenic beach in the north-west of Malta. It features some of the most diverse and eclectic music genres in Malta, such as world music, reggae, dub, ambient, and psychedelic. It also promotes environmental and social awareness through activities such as yoga, meditation, art, and workshops. The Bubble is one of the most unique and alternative music festivals in Malta, attracting thousands of music lovers every year.
The Funky Monkey
The Funky Monkey is a fun and funky bar that is located in Gzira, a town near Sliema. It is one of the best places to enjoy other music genres in Malta, such as funk, soul, disco, and electro. It hosts live music events every week, with local and international artists and DJs performing various genres of music that will make you groove and move. The Funky Monkey also has a pool table, a dart board, and a jukebox.
The Thirsty Barber
The Thirsty Barber is a bar located in St. Julian’s that is styled as a 1920s prohibition-style bar. It is one of the best places to enjoy music such as blues, soul, and rock ’n’ roll.
The bar hosts live music events every week, with many artists and bands performing various genres of music that will transport you to another era. The Thirsty Barber also has a cocktail menu that features some of the most creative and delicious drinks in Malta. The Thirsty Barber is a place to enjoy music and drinks in a sophisticated and mysterious atmosphere.
Conclusion
Malta is a musical paradise for anyone who loves different music genres. Whether you prefer classical or jazz, rock or hip-hop, or anything in between, you will find something to suit your musical taste in Malta. You will also discover new and exciting sounds and styles that will enrich your musical experience.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to enjoy the best live music and entertainment in Malta. You will not regret it!
