IRA LOSCO - MaltaRightNow.com

| radio |
IT’S A HOT HOT
SUMMER AT 101
The summer months are usually associated
with lighter schedules, at least with most radio
stations operating in countries which have
similar hot summers. It’s common for popular
music programmes to take centre stage,
keeping company to those who likewise are in
holiday mode. On Radio 101, the emphasis on
pop music is evident, but as is the trademark
with this station, there is also an intriguing
slant to such presentations.
This summer, the new pop programmes on Radio 101 are
focusing on Italy (Identikit), profiles and tastes (Il-Mijja u Diska),
more eighties programmes (Tmenin Biss) and The Chartshow
Programme. Identikit features Michael Treeby’s insight into various
popular, Italian artistes who helped shaped Italian music now
and then. This programme, which is broadcast every Saturday
at 12.30, delves into their careers, their ups and downs and also
analyses some of their best compositions. “Italian music has
always highlighted great composers over the past decades. It
wasn’t an easy task for me to choose the artistes, let alone the
songs I have to include in the programme. In one hour, I usually
fit in twelve songs but in the case of Claudio Baglioni, I could only
fit in nine, since his songs are longer.” Throughout the next three
months, Identikit shall feature artistes like Gianni Morandi, Adriano
Celentano, Lucio Battisti and Franco Battiato.
I have always known Mark Garrett to be a fan of the 80s, even
when as a 17-year-old he would constantly be winning pop music
quizzes on TV. He was also a fan of the sounds of the 60s and 70s,
but his love for those 80s numbers remains, not surprisingly, strong.
Hosting Tmenin Biss on Radio 101, we should be looking forward to
his choice of songs that topped the charts throughout that decade,
and also a considerable amount of one-hit wonders that fit the bill.
The 80s have also been a source of inspiration for the likes of George
Galea, who will return with 80-99 this summer.
Every Saturday afternoon at 3.30 pm, Il-Mijja u Diska will be
presenting songs chosen by prominent personalities from various walks of life. From Ira Losco to Lou
Bondi, this two and a half hour show hosted by Noel Mallia will be delving into songs that say so much
about the backgrounds, experiences and the aspirations of the featured contributors. The listener will
be able to get an insight on how various songs and music have left their mark on the invited guests
throughout his/her life. These musical inserts will also punctuate some short and insightful banter
provided by the guests and their host.
The Chart-show will be another major attraction in Radio 101’s new summer schedule. Hosted by Frank
Zammit, this programme will not just deal with the top-selling records in the major music markets, but
will also focus on past chart hits and future hits. Frank will also include a good deal of gossip from the
chart-world in this two and a half hour programme, broadcast every Sunday afternoon at 3.30 pm.
Don’t touch that dial since a lot of the usual popular programmes – from Newsdesk to Flimkien,
Christine@one, Focus 101 and the popular readings by Charles B. Spiteri will continue to keep you
entertained throughout the summer at Radio 101.
38 L&s | july ’08