Government still evaluating singer’s proposals for places of rehearsal

The government is still evaluating proposals put forward by singer William Mangion on the ideal location where rock bands could rehearse.

Mangion, who in 1993 represented Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest, was appointed coordinator for the promotion of local bands. The rock singer was offered a one-year to contract to also identify a place where the bands could rehearse.

In a reply by Culture Minister Owen Bonnici to a question raised by PN MP Jason Azzopardi, it was confirmed that the government was still evaluating a number of proposals put forward by Mangion.

“It is not just about finding a garage where bands could rehearse but one should keep in mind that the location must be ideal for the purpose,” Bonnici said.

Azzopardi also questioned why the location was not being scouted by the Lands Department. According to Bonnici, the job required a person with a musical background and Mangion was fit for the job.

“[Mangion] is a valid person with vast experience in the sector. His job was not to simply find a garage but one should also consider the technical research required in finding the perfect place,” Bonnici added.

He insisted that the search for the location required an artistic input.

The minister added that for the first time, the government had a list of artists – 371 in all – involved in a rock band. The government was also seeking to identify places and occasions where the rock bands could showcase their talent.

Mangion’s letter of appointment was issued by the Office of the Prime Minister.

It is not known how much Mangion was paid for the job, but the Minister for Culture invited Azzopardi to table a parliamentary question and the ministry would evaluate accordingly.