Etnika

Etnika is one of Malta's leading modern folk bands founded in 2000. The four founder members were composer Ruben Żahra, traditional instrument maker Ġużi Gatt, researcher Steve Borġ and musician Andrew Alamango. Their main task was to present a revival of old traditional Maltese instruments, at times, with a fusion with contemporary ones. In 2000 Etnika released their first album, entitled Nafra. Their second album, Żifna (Dance), was released in 2003; it depicts the sentiment of the island nation with its cross cultural Mediterranean influences. Their efforts were rewarded by the Award of Music Achievement in the 2001 Malta Music Awards, held in Ta'Qali.