Alex Borg: From Malta’s Underground to the Mainstream

In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling St. George’s Square, a familiar figure is often seen. Alex Borg, a man who has worn many hats – musician, activist, and now, a successful entrepreneur – is a walking testament to Malta’s cultural evolution. His latest venture, Għaqda, a co-working space and cultural hub, is not just a physical space but a symbol of Borg’s journey and Malta’s changing scene.

From Underground Gigs to Mainstream Recognition

Borg’s journey began in the late 90s, in the grungy, underground music scene of Malta. His band, Fenko, was a staple at local gigs, playing to packed crowds at venues like the now-defunct Savoy Cinema in Sliema. “We were part of a movement,” Borg recalls, “a generation hungry for change, expressing ourselves through music and art.”

Fast forward two decades, and Borg finds himself at the helm of Għaqda, a space that echoes the spirit of those underground days but with a polish that reflects Malta’s growth. “We started as a group of friends working from a garage,” Borg laughs, “now we’re a community of over 100 entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators in a prime location in Valletta.”

Copying or Inspiring? Borg’s Perspective

Borg’s success has not come without criticism. Some have accused him of riding the wave of gentrification, of being a part of the system he once railed against. Borg, however, sees it differently. “They criticise us, then they copy us,” he says, referring to the numerous co-working spaces and cultural hubs that have sprung up across Malta in recent years. “We were never about being cool or trendy. We were about creating a space where people could connect, create, and grow.”

Borg points to the recent opening of a government-funded co-working space in Birkirkara as evidence. “They saw what we were doing, saw the value it brought to the community, and decided to invest in it. That’s not criticism, that’s recognition.”

Għaqda: More Than Just a Co-Working Space

Għaqda is more than just a place to work. It’s a community, a hub for ideas, a space for collaboration. Borg has ensured that it remains true to its roots, hosting regular gigs, art exhibitions, and community events. “We’re not just about business,” he says, “we’re about people, about community, about Malta.”

Borg’s journey is a microcosm of Malta’s own evolution. From a small island nation on the periphery of Europe to a thriving, cosmopolitan hub, Malta’s transformation is reflected in the story of Alex Borg and Għaqda.

As Borg looks to the future, he’s optimistic. “Malta is changing,” he says, “and we’re not just along for the ride. We’re helping to steer it. That’s something to be proud of.”