A compilation of the first ever studio recordings by a Maltese artist, dating back to the interwar years, is set to be released again.

The project is a joint initiative between Filfla Records and the Friends of the National Archives.

Maltese folk singer Emmanuele Cilia who recorded his songs at the HMV studios in Milan between 1931 and 1932

Sung by renowned folk singer Emmanuele Cilia, popularly known as Leli ta’ Żabett, the works are of historic value as they also offer a snapshot of Maltese society more than 80 years ago.

Recorded in Milan and sold by Anthony D’Amato on HMV records between 1931 and 1932, the songs were digitised in 2010 as part of the Malta’s Lost Voices Collection.

Andrew Alamango from Filfa Records – a locally based label set up specifically with the aim of making Maltese music accessible – is the brains behind this project.

He says vintage musical records are part of Malta’s cultural and intangible heritage.

“Many of the records and the music recorded on this collection say a lot about the local culture, music and musicians of the day, the language particularly. They are important documents which give a self-reflexive perspective on ourselves and our culture,” he said.

“As a musician I am always interested in digging out old material. A repertoire that stands the test of time becomes traditional.”

Many of the records and the music recorded on this collection say a lot about the local culture, music and musicians of the day. They are important documents

Cilia inspired generations of Maltese folk singers (għannejja) including the much renowned Frans Baldacchino Il-Budaj who died in 2006. Baldacchino would often make reference to Cilia’s style, saying he was inspired by his melody, voice clarity and diction.

Up to the 1960s, Cilia was still receiving his five per cent royalty on the sale of records. At the turn of that decade D’Amato even reproduced a selection of 25 of the singer’s most popular records on 45rpm vinyl discs, responding to demand for his songs.

Some of the tracks, such as X’aħna Sbieħ min jaf Jarana and Xalata għal San Pawl, will rekindle memories among those of a certain age, who would have heard them on the Rediffusion service.

Nearly 90 years after their launch and half a century from Cilia’s death, these 38 three-minute songs are again available on 12” vinyl long play, double CD and even in downloadable format.