We're fresh from meeting the lively trio Morena, Gerard
James Borg & Philip Vella, this year’s winners of the
Malta Song Festival for the Eurovison song contest, to be
held in Serbia. The winning song VODKA, interpreted by Morena,
was voted by thousands of Maltese and Gozitan people. To
be exact; 80% televoting and 20% by a panel of judges. A
heartful thanks goes to Munchies Pub owner, Mr David Busuttil,
who hosted our interview and also pampered our guests with
some delicious Chinese spring rolls, Maltese cheesecakes,
pizza and flowing wine. What was Ramona up to this time? |
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MORENA: |
| Ramona: |
What
is your real name and how did you come up with the stage
name Morena? |
| Morena: |
Well,
my real name as on my Identity Card is Margerita Camilleri
Fenech, though people call me Margaret! Morena means brunette
‘samra’, and the adjective perfectly compliments my complexion!
[We fully agree and back the idea of adopting this cool
stage name!] |
Morena
has an extremely lively and expressive persona!
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| Ramona: |
What
can you share about your 'Margaret' side? |
| Morena: |
I
am 23 years old and live in Sannat, Gozo. Am married to Marvin
Fenech. We have no kids yet and I must say that I really love
my nephews & nieces. I work as a Facilitator at the Bishop
Conservatory School, Gozo. |
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| Ramona: |
In
Gozo, as in Malta, everybody knows everyone else. How are
the Gozitans treating you? |
| Morena: |
[Smiling]
There are some Gozitans who do not know I am a Gozitan! But
then again, I thank all the Gozitans & the Maltese for
their genuine support |
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| Ramona: |
What
are your comments about the rumours that people compare you
to Ruslana? |
| Morena: |
I
don’t see anything in common. As for style, definitely not!
I hope people see in me the positive side they see in Ruslana
[she replied with a big GIGGLE] |
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| Ramona: |
From
where do you get all that positive energy while on stage? |
| Morena: |
Its’
just a matter of BEING MYSELF…I am a natural bubbly person
[I agree 100%] |
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| Ramona: |
A
stupid question which I must ask...Do you like Vodka? |
| Morena: |
HeHe,
no way. I rarely drink alcohol and if I do, I become somehow
dull. I would rather be myself without alcohol ? [Smile] |
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| Ramona: |
Were
you expecting to win this year’s Malta song Festival? What
were your reactions as they announced that you are the winner? |
| Morena: |
For
sure, it was an unexpected good news for me. I must admit
that I did not in the least imagine I was going to be the
winner. After all, I’m not a well known face to the public.
As soon as it was announced I got a flashback of when I was
a little kid and used to tell my mum that I would like to
be the winner one day! I also thanked God for this important
victory. |
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| Ramona: |
Have
you ever worked with Gerard & Philip? |
| Morena: |
Yes,
especially with Philip. |
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| Ramona: |
Do
you have any relatives with a musical background? |
| Morena: |
Well,
yeah…my sister Giorgina Gauci is a soprano. Also, my grandfather
was a 'surmast tal-banda' and I'm also the lead vocalist of
the Gozitan Band - Spectrum. |
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| Ramona: |
Tell
me something about your husband’s support |
| Morena: |
[Laughing]
Well, my husband Marvin is very camera shy. You know what?
Camera persons kept chasing him when the presenters announced
me as winner [turning on Gerard & Philip] We’re
trying to convince him not to be afraid of cameras…aren’t
we boys? |
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| Ramona: |
Being
very busy with interviews and meetings, I would say that you
are more likely to live in Malta at the moment, rather than
in Gozo. Is my assumption correct? |
| Morena: |
Yes
and no [smiley] It is true that I have many commitments
in Malta butI travel to Gozo every single day. [Geez] |
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| GERARD
JAMES BORG: |
| Ramona: |
How
many of your songs have placed first in the MaltaSong Festivals? |
| Gerard: |
[Satisfied
smile] Vodka is my fifth winning song |
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| Ramona: |
Can you name all your winning songs? |
| Gerard: |
2002 – Desire, 2002 – 7th Wonder, 2004 – On again off again,
2007 – Vertigo & this year 2008 - Vodka!!! |
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| Ramona: |
Why
Vodka? |
| Gerard: |
Well, the story of the song is based in Russia, and basically
VODKA is the password. Actually the song is not about the
drink, but about espionage and Morena sings about how she
has deciphered the code….Vodka!!! |
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| Ramona: |
Same
stupid but necessary question…..Do you like Vodka?
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| Gerard: |
Not at all, I prefer wine! |
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| Ramona: |
What was the idea for using Russian words in the song Vodka? |
| Gerard: |
Basically to spice it up and maybe to have that unique touch! |
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| Ramona: |
How long did you take to write Vodka? |
| Gerard: |
[Thinking] Well, it happened quite fast!! When
you take so long to write a single song, that’s not a positive
thing |
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| Ramona: |
A brief glimpse about yourself... |
| Gerard: |
I am 37 years old and live in Floriana. One word to describe
myself is creative. I am into fashion design & songwriting
and not just locally.
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| PHILIP
VELLA: |
| Ramona: |
How
many of your songs have placed first in the MaltaSong Festivals? |
| Philip: |
[Smiling
& looking at Gerard] Total of five…and the same songs
which Gerard won!...We always work together |
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| Ramona: |
What was your reaction as soon Gerard came up with the idea
& lyrics of VODKA? |
| Philip: |
Well,
I must say that I fell in love with Vodka at the very first
time. I immediately liked the name Vodka and felt there
was potential in the concept without even reading the lyrics!! |
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| Ramona: |
How did you come up with the fast-paced rhythm?
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| Philip: |
Well, when Gerard sent me the lyrics, I started working
on the music straightaway and it took that shape. Then I
included a slot without just music [looking& smiling
at Morena] also to give Morena time to breathe!
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"Get
it right Ramona, will you!!" :) :)
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| Ramona: |
What
is your background Phil? |
| Philip: |
Well
my father was a musician, maybe that’s why I grew up to be
a composer/musician as well. I am also the composer for the
computer game company Black Pencil responsible for popular
games in Germany such as Harry Buster and Smoke Attack 2.
I have been nominated several times as Best Composer in the
Malta Music Awards, and won the Best Author and Best Recording
Engineer Awards!!
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"Three
Cheers for Morena and the Team. Good Luck!"
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