It’s late March, and the echoes of International Women’s Day have begun to fade. But in Malta, the spirit of empowerment lingers, resonating in the local music scene. Here, women are not just making waves; they’re creating tsunamis. Let’s look their stories, their challenges, and their triumphs.

Malta’s music scene is a vibrant tapestry, woven with threads of diverse genres and talents. Among them are women like Nadine Axisa, a powerhouse vocalist who’s been shattering stereotypes since she burst onto the scene with her band, The New VIbe. Nadine’s journey is one of resilience and determination. “I’ve faced challenges, from sexist remarks to being underestimated,” she admits, “but I’ve learned to use that as fuel to push harder.”

Then there’s Lisa Marie Borg, a multi-instrumentalist and composer who’s been making waves with her experimental electronic music. Lisa’s work challenges conventional norms, much like her approach to the industry. “I’ve always been told I should sound more ‘female’, whatever that means,” she says, rolling her eyes. “But I make music that feels authentic to me, and that’s what matters.”

Malta’s music industry is small but mighty, and it’s here that many of these women are forging new paths. Take for instance, the annual Malta Music Awards. In 2021, for the first time in its history, the awards were co-hosted by two women – Sarah Zerafa and Michela Galea, the latter being Malta’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest.

But change is not just happening on stage. Behind the scenes, women like Annabelle Stivala, the founder of the annual ŻiguŻajg International Arts Festival, are redefining the industry’s scene. “We need more women in decision-making roles,” she says, “to ensure that the stories we tell, the music we make, reflects the diversity of our society.”

Initiatives like the Malta Music Education Trust’s ‘Girls Rock Malta’ camp are also playing a crucial role. This annual event, held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, empowers young girls through music, teaching them to play instruments, form bands, and write songs.

platforms like the Malta Music Awards and the ŻiguŻajg Festival are actively seeking to increase their representation of female artists. The latter, in fact, has a dedicated ‘Women in Music’ showcase, highlighting the best of Malta’s female talent.

, it’s clear that Malta’s music scene is on the cusp of a significant shift. Women are no longer just supporting acts; they’re headlining festivals, winning awards, and shaping the industry’s future. And as Nadine Axisa puts it, “We’re not just making music; we’re making history.”

So, the next time you’re at a gig in Strait Street, or tuning into local radio, remember the women behind the music. They’re not just breaking barriers; they’re redefining them.