'I am everyone's singer': Mary Spiteri on music beyond party ties

Mary Spiteri has been performing for decades, but one constant in her career stands out: her long-standing presence at Labour Party events, where she has become a familiar voice to generations.

The 78-year-old Maltese singer, widely regarded as a local music icon, is closely associated with political and cultural gatherings organised by the party. Her performances, particularly of Tema ’79 from the Maltese rock opera Ġensna, have become closely tied to its mass meetings.

Speaking to Times of Malta, Spiteri described Tema ’79 as a song that resonates beyond politics.

“That is the song of our history as Maltese people. Of all Maltese people. But when I sing it, I picture Duminku Mintoff alive, giving us our freedom.”

She said the song is always performed with deep feeling and conviction and whenever she sings it, it is coming from a place of passion and emotion. She pointed out that to sing it well, "it has to come from love of one’s country, not just one’s party".

Given the song’s strong association with the Labour Party, Spiteri is often described as its voice, a label she rejects.

“I am not the voice of anything; I am the singer of everyone. But when the party calls, I go and, with great happiness, and I hope to keep going until my last breath.”

Spiteri is a supporter of the Labour Party and has performed at numerous events over the years. And she will, of course, be there on Friday at the Workers’ Day mass meeting in Valletta where she will perform Ħaddemin and Malta. 

The celebration remains a long-standing tradition for the party, which is marking 100 years since it first organised such events in Malta.

Despite her long association with these occasions, Spiteri said she could not recall her first May Day performance, noting it was so many years ago she couldn't remember.

Poster of Mary Spiteri

However, she clearly remembers her first time singing for the party, which also marked her stage debut.

Raised in a musical family, Spiteri said her father led an orchestra that performed across the island, often taking his children along.

One such engagement led to her first public performance at the Orpheum Theatre in Gżira, during an event known as “Is-Serati ta' Mintoff”. 

“That was my first time on stage, at 11 years old. My father’s friend said to put me on, so my mum got me a change of clothes, and I sang "Lonely Boy" by Paul Anka. I was there every Saturday for the next few years.”

Spiteri said her admiration for former prime minister Duminku Mintoff began at that age and has endured.

Over the years, she has performed during the tenure of every Labour leader from Mintoff to Prime Minister Robert Abela.

“They were all incredible prime ministers and I was always happy and honoured to sing for all of them. I have no favourites. But I will say that  Dr Robert Abela is doing a great job in his role.”

Among her most cherished memories, she highlighted receiving the Medal for Service to the Republic in 1996 from Alfred Sant.  “That was a magical moment for me personally.”

Mary Spiteri performing her Eurovision entry, Little Child. Photo: PBS

Spiteri is well known outside of political performances, most famously finishing third in the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö with the song Little Child. She has since performed on both local and international stages, including appearances at the Sydney Opera House.

Despite her political affiliations, Spiteri stressed that she sees herself first and foremost as a singer.

“The only difference is that we have slightly different ideas, but ultimately we need to respect one another. I am the singer of everyone.”

The Labour Party Rally begins this afternoon in Valletta with Spiteri excited to perform again, just as she has countless times.