Updated 3.40 pm with comments from Bezzina 

Gianluca Bezzina, a former Eurovision contestant, won the third edition of Mużika Mużika on Saturday night with his song Sabiħa. 

The song, written by Joe Julian Farrugia and composed by Philip Vella was dedicated to Bezzina’s wife and their relationship. 

A doctor by profession, Bezzina is no stranger to the stage. Ten years ago he represented Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden and placed eighth. 

This weekend, Bezzina won the hearts of the judges and Mużika Mużika attendees and took home a prize of €20,000.

In his first comments, Bezzina said he was not expecting to win. 

"I was so happy with my performance, it was enough. But now that I won, I am savouring the moment," he said in comments to Mużika Mużika.

"The first time I heard the song, I knew immediately that I wanted to sing it because they are words that I feel about my wife, Vanessa," he said.

Speaking to Times of Malta on Sunday, Bezzina described the previous night’s atmosphere and audience as beautiful.

“It was such a pleasant experience, the vibe of the audience was so beautiful that was one of the first things I commented on when I got off the stage,” he said. 

“For me, that was enough, that the atmosphere was so wonderful- the win was a bonus.”

He said he did not expect to win because the level of the competition was very high.

“I think what helped was the genuinely of the performance,” he said.

“I related to the song immediately because the lyrics reflected my relationship with Vanessa.”

He also praised the festival.

“The festival is so well organised, and all the artists were given so much importance. Once you experience it you truly appreciate Maltese music and lyrics.”

2022 X-Factor finalists Drakard and Lisa Gauci were runners-up with their song 'Jekk Mhux Int'.

'M'hawnx Bħalek', performed by Jasmine Abela ranked third.

During the festival, Maestro Ryan Paul Abela was also recognised for Best Musical Arrangement and Jasmin Abela won the Best Interpretation award.

Now in its third edition, Mużika Mużika has become one of the most prominent platforms to showcase Maltese songs and artists.

Performers were accompanied live by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. 

This year, the festival, which started on Thursday night, garnered some 300,000 TV viewers across three consecutive days.

The festival was hosted by Keith Demicoli, Moira Delia and Claire Agius and was held at Ta' Qali MFCC.