Ghana has been the backbone of Maltese folklore having acted as
a form of entertainment for the working classes in the past..
The typical Maltese tradition of Għana (pronounced 'ana')
involves singing and musical accompaniment. Tracing its roots
back to the times of the Knights of St John, this art was
practised by housewives during their chores, and labourers
playing their trades. As time went by, the art evolved to
include more formal constraints of rhythm and rhyme, but
remained associated with the working classes. Today, Għana is
still practised, but has ceased to be a part of everyday life
and now remains the preserve of professionals entertaining the
masses. The Għana appears in a number of different forms, but
the most popular is known as the Spirtu Pront (roughly
translated to 'Improvisational'). This format comprises two
singers who engage in a lyrical duel. The singers exchange
verbal attacks while sticking to an established format of rhyme
and verse. Typically, this singing battle will be accompani