ROCKNA CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF CHAMPIONING MALTA'S MUSIC SCENE

Celebrating 15 Years of Rockna: Malta's Iconic Music Show

Rockna logo designed by Pierre Portelli

Rockna, Malta's premier hybrid music and talk show dedicated to promoting the local music scene, marks a significant milestone this week as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. The groundbreaking show, which first aired on 9th July 2010, has become an institution in Malta's musical landscape, providing a vital platform for local artists and music enthusiasts.

To commemorate this remarkable achievement, host Michael Bugeja has prepared a special anniversary episode that revisits the very first Rockna broadcast from July 2010, including an interview with the first guest band Eve Ransom. This special episode will offer listeners a nostalgic journey back to the show's origins - the spirit of which remains intact, helping the show evolve and grow over the past decade and a half.

"Fifteen years ago, encouraged by the station manager at the time, Charles Saliba, we set out to create something dedicated to comprehensively promoting Malta's music scene," Michael Bugeja said in a comment. "Looking back at that first show and seeing how far we've come – and how much the local music scene has grown – is incredibly rewarding. What started off as a radio show, has become more of a community."

Showcasing Malta's Musical Talent

Since its inception, Rockna has distinguished itself through its comprehensive format, seamlessly blending in-depth interviews with carefully curated music selections that showcase the depth and diversity of Malta's musical talent. The show has evolved alongside Malta's broadcasting landscape, transitioning from its original home on Radio 101 Digital to its current platform on NET FM, while expanding its reach through internet streaming and DAB+ digital radio.

Over the years, Rockna has become synonymous with musical exclusivity, hosting a number of album and single launches as well as intimate live unplugged sessions that have given listeners unprecedented access to their favorite local artists. Some of these special moments have been preserved for posterity in a compilation album featuring selected live sessions from the show's archives. The compilation, Rockna Live & Unplugged, is available as a free download.

The show's impact extends beyond the airwaves, having staged memorable live concerts for its 5th and 6th anniversaries, both of which were broadcast live on radio, bringing the Rockna experience directly to audiences across Malta and Gozo.

Michael Bugeja has been hosting Rockna for 15 years on NET FM

Celebrate with Us: Join the Anniversary Concert

Building on this tradition of live music celebration, Rockna will stage an anniversary concert later this year featuring three carefully selected acts, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks. The event will also include an open mic and jamming session in collaboration with the respected music collective Music Playground, ensuring that both established and emerging artists have the opportunity to participate in this milestone celebration.

"This anniversary concert represents everything Rockna stands for – celebrating established talent while nurturing new voices in Malta's music scene," Michael Bugeja added. "The collaboration with Music Playground is particularly exciting as it embodies the community spirit that has always been at the heart of what we do."

Building a Legacy That Endures

Throughout its 15-year journey, Rockna has maintained its commitment to supporting Malta's music scene through both challenging and triumphant times. The show has provided a consistent platform for local artists to share their stories, launch new material, and connect with audiences in an intimate, authentic setting.

As Malta's music scene continues to evolve and gain international recognition, Rockna remains a cornerstone of the local musical community, bridging the gap between artists and audiences while documenting the rich tapestry of Maltese musical expression.

The special 15th anniversary episode of Rockna airs this Monday, 7th July 2025, on NET FM and is available via internet streaming and DAB+ digital radio. Details about the anniversary concert will be announced during upcoming shows and through the programme's social media channels.

Follow Rockna online at https://www.facebook.com/rocknamalta

About Rockna: Rockna is Malta's longest-running music and talk show dedicated exclusively to the local music scene. Broadcasting weekly, the show features interviews with local artists, exclusive live sessions, and music selections that highlight the diversity of Malta's musical landscape. The show airs on NET FM every Monday at 7pm CET. The show is also available via Internet streaming at netfm.com.mt and netondemand.mt and DAB+ digital radio.