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Remembering Frans Baldacchino - il-Budaj

on the first anniversary from his demise

written by Alfred Grech
photographs by Choy Hong (Jasmine) Grech.

This evening, Friday June 22 was a very emotional evening for all of us. We remembered the first anniversary of the death of our Legend, Frans Baldacchino Il-Budaj. Although one year has passed, Frans never left our hearts.

The Razzett tal-Markiż in Mosta was packed and many people were sitting outside on the sidewalk and even on the street to listen to a beautiful demonstration of love towards Frans il-Budaj.

The presenter was Margaret Agius and some of the readings were conducted by Joe Vella. There were poems, tributes, għana but above all sincere affection towards this great artist and a superb human being.

The Għannejja were Leli Abela (Il-Fenka), Vince and

Fidela Carabott while Priscilla Psaila sang the song "Tisimgħu Tissaħħar" which Frans and herself once sang together and won an award. The guitarists were Johnny Grima and Salvu Tanti (Il-Kanadiż) who also read a tribute to Frans.

Philip Borg read his own poem "Għannilhom fis-sema.." Frans' friend, Charles Coleiro delivered an appreciative talk about il-Budaj. Joe Vella read a beautiful and touching poem by Xavier Galea called "Għażiż Frans". Choy Hong (Jasmine) Grech who had met and became friend with Frans recited her own poem in which she called Frans the "legend of Malta". Another beautiful tribute by Vince Psaila was read by Joe Vella who also read a poem by Frans Xuereb.

Another good friend of Il-Budaj from Australia, Manuel Casha, has just released a new CD - "Tifkira", which he produced especially for this commemoration. It was played during the evening.

The evening ended with a closing message by Joe Bartolo, the President of ir-Razzett, and then we played the Razzett anthem, sung by il-Budaj, music by Ray Agius.

Amongst those present were Mrs Pawla Baldacchino, Frans' widow, and other members of the Baldacchino family, Dr and Mrs Daniel Micallef, Mosta's Archpriest Fr Mario Tong and other dignitaries.

It was a moving evening dedicated to one of Malta's legend, Frans Baldacchino, il-Budaj ... and we plan to commemorate this event every year.

For more photographs click here