Trakafest Celebrates Third Edition in Style

Live shows, great food and a multicultural environment are what Trakafest is all about. A space to spread and vindicate percussion and art through the myriad of workshops and live performances. It fills an important gap in Malta’s musical landscape, providing both visibility and information on Malta’s burgeoning, yet still largely underground world percussion scene.

This year’s event follows on from the last edition of the festival which took place in 2020. Created and directed by José Calderón, the leader of Malta-based percussion group Trakadum, the event welcomes numerous highly respected collaborators for a day of workshops and live music with its ultimate aim of bringing world percussion to new audiences. This is what José Calderón had to say...

“We are so excited to make it happen again! This year it will be held in an amazing natural environment where we will connect with drums and nature. Join us on Saturday 7 May for an unforgettable day with percussion and dance workshops, live music and many other surprises!”

The Workshops

The festival will start at the BMX Track Pembroke where several workshops will be carried out for beginners who would like to try it out and learn more as well as seasoned percussionists who would like to improve their skills. Workshops start at 9am and below we have shared the 2 most prominent ones.

Afro Brazilian Percussion

Antonio Monedero "Toño" will be leading a workshop of Afro Brazilian rhythms aimed for percussionists and/or drummers of any level. He is a renowned drummer, percussionist, producer and educator from Madrid. Toño will teach rhythms like Samba Reggae or Samba Afro, rhythms originals from the city of Salvador de Bahía (Brazil). Seeing techniques for the following instruments Surdo, Snare, Repinique, Timbau, and minor percussion.

There are 2 options available for booking:

• Intermediate/advanced from 9-10am & 11.30-13.00pm
• Beginner at 10.15-11.15am

Afro Dance with Live Percussion

Yonna Lizzouli Bernal Neira will be leading an afro dance workshop with Live West African Percussion rhythms. She is an interpreter in contemporary dance and is well trained in the art of Afro culture.

This is a super energetic 1hr workshop for beginners which starts at 10.15am. The organic beat of the drums together with the free expression from the dance postures and choreographies will create a warm atmosphere between the musicians and dance participants.

Live Performances

Following the educational workshops in the morning, people will be gathering at il-Fortizza in Sliema from 2pm. Audiences will be able to enjoy food and live music from Helena Gram and Hosan. This will then be followed by a series of performances and jam sessions featuring Latin Fusion by Colectivo Interactivo; Samba, Batucada and Afro by Trakadum and World Rhythm by the Trakadum Ensemble Project.

Banjo Rancho will be delivering a short introduction workshop for all those interested in having a small taste into the rhythmic system used in Carnatic (South Indian) & Hindustani (North Indian) music. Through recitation, clapping and mathematics you will see how a massive rhythmic world can be created!

DJ Onns will lead the night with Reggae, Dancehall and Afro beats to create an incredible party atmosphere.

Tickets are being sold for 10euro and can be bought directly from Chitzo. Tickets at the door will be 12euro so grab yours now.