"Ritmu"[a] (Maltese pronunciation: [rɪtmuː]; transl. "Rhythm") is a song by Maltese singer Aidan released on 2 March 2022. The song placed second in the national competition to represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 and reached number one on Malta's singles charts.
| "Ritmu" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Aidan | ||||
| from the album This is Aidan | ||||
| Language | Maltese | |||
| Released | 2 March 2022 | |||
| Genre | Pop | |||
| Length | 2:57 | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
| |||
| Producer(s) | Boban Apostolov | |||
| Aidan singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Ritmu" on YouTube | ||||
Background and release
editAidan unsuccessfully competed to represent Malta in the 2018 contest in which his song "Dai Laga" was updated as it was reportedly not entirely original and could have potentially violated Eurovision rules.[1] Following the positive response to "Naħseb Fik", he announced he would be competing to represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with an "upbeat pop song with a very European sound" written in Maltese.[2] The song was later revealed to be "Ritmu" and he placed second in the national competition behind Emma Muscat.[3][4] Aidan performed the song at a Eurovision pre-party in London.[5] He was also chosen as Malta's spokesperson in the Eurovision final in which he read out the votes of the Maltese jury.[6]
"Ritmu" was featured in his debut album This Is Aidan released in March 2023.[7]
Critical reception
editThe song was number one in Malta's singles charts for three consecutive weeks.[5] The song was reviewed by four correspondents at ESC United who gave it an average score of 7.125.[8] The correspondents pointed out that the beat of the song felt "generic" but that it being in Maltese made it stand out from other songs in the national competition.[8]
The song won an award for Best Song of the Year.[9]
Music video
editThe music video released on 8 March 2022 features Aidan dressed as a cowboy and riding a horse.[10] The video was produced by Joseph Cauchi, directed by Gary Bugeja and shot by Victor Abela.[10] Additionally, the choreography was done by Cheryl Lofreda and the styling by Malcolm Gauci.[10]
Charts
edit| Chart (2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Malta (BMAT PRS)[11] | 1 |
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ Stylised in all uppercase.
References
edit- ^ Adams, William Lee (19 January 2018). "Aidan publishes "Dai Laga" revamp following rule breach controversy in Malta". wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
- ^ Diacono, Tim (15 December 2021). "EXCLUSIVE: Aidan Submits Upbeat Song Entirely In Maltese For Eurovision". Lovin Malta. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
- ^ "Imħabbra t-22 semifinalista tal-Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2022". TVM News. 29 December 2021. Archived from the original on 17 January 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ "Record TV audience – over half a million viewers watch Eurovision Song Contest". TVM News. 20 February 2022. Archived from the original on 17 January 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ a b "Aidan invited to perform fan-favourite 'Ritmu' in London". Malta Daily. 6 April 2022. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
- ^ "Aidan chosen to read Malta's jury votes at Eurovision Grand Final". Malta Daily. 14 May 2022. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
- ^ Cole, Jessica (31 March 2023). "Malta: Aidan releases debut album "This Is Aidan"". Eurovoxx. Archived from the original on 17 January 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ a b Maude, James (17 February 2022). "What a Feeling! Did Malta leave ESC United Believing or Reeling? MESC Review Part One!". ESC United. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
- ^ Zammit, Philippa (4 January 2023). "Watch: Ira Losco and Aidan Team up on Brand New Track". Oh My Malta. Archived from the original on 16 September 2024. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
- ^ a b c "Watch: Aidan releases music video for 'Ritmu'". Malta Daily. 8 March 2022. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
- ^ "PRS Malta on Facebook: The PRS for music Malta BMAT Airplay Chart". Facebook. 6 March 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2024.