Sade’s Malta: A Musical Journey Through Valletta’s Streets

Imagine this: you’re strolling down Republic Street, Valletta’s bustling thoroughfare, on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Suddenly, the soulful voice of Sade fills the air, not from a nearby café, but from speakers strategically placed along the street. This wasn’t a dream, but a reality created by ARTE’s TAPE project, which recently transformed Malta’s capital into a living music video for the iconic British-Nigerian singer.

TAPE, an acronym for ‘Temporary Autonomous Popular Entertainment’, is a unique initiative by ARTE, the European cultural TV channel, that turns public spaces into open-air stages for music videos. On a sunny afternoon in late March, Malta became the latest canvas for this artistic endeavor, with Valletta’s historic streets serving as the backdrop for a mesmerizing tribute to Sade.

Malta, with its Mediterranean charm and rich history, has always been a magnet for artists. But Sade in Malta? It might seem like an unexpected pairing, but once you’ve seen the TAPE episode, you’ll understand why it works so well. The island’s sun-kissed streets, vibrant doorways, and historic architecture provide a stunning contrast to Sade’s smooth, sultry vocals and the jazz-infused melodies that have captivated fans for decades.

The TAPE crew chose four of Sade’s most beloved tracks – ‘Smooth Operator’, ‘Your Love is King’, ‘No Ordinary Love’, and ‘By Your Side’ – and turned Valletta into a living, breathing music video. From the grand entrance at City Gate to the quaint alleyways of Strait Street, each location was carefully selected to complement the mood and lyrics of each song.

To bring this musical experience to life, ARTE collaborated with local production company, The One, and Malta’s leading classical music ensemble, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra, conducted by the talented Joseph Vella, provided a fresh take on Sade’s classic tracks, giving them a symphonic twist that echoed beautifully through Valletta’s streets.

The One, led by producer and director Pierre Ellul, worked tirelessly to ensure the project ran smoothly. They coordinated with local authorities, set up speakers and cameras, and even managed to keep Valletta’s curious residents and tourists engaged and entertained throughout the recording process.

For Ellul, working on TAPE was a unique opportunity to showcase Malta’s cultural scene on an international platform. “It’s not every day you get to turn your hometown into a music video set,” he said with a smile. “But that’s exactly what makes TAPE so special. It’s about bringing art to the people, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”

If you missed the live performance, don’t worry. You can still enjoy Sade’s Malta experience from the comfort of your own home. The TAPE episode is available to stream on ARTE’s website and YouTube channel. But for the full effect, we recommend grabbing your headphones, cranking up the volume, and letting Sade’s melodies transport you back to Valletta’s sun-drenched streets.

And if you’re planning a visit to Malta, make sure to add Valletta to your itinerary. Stroll down Republic Street, listen for the echoes of Sade’s voice, and let the music guide you through the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

As Ellul puts it, “Malta is more than just a filming location. It’s a character in its own right. And with TAPE, we’ve shown that our little island has the power to inspire and captivate, one song at a time.”