When Soul Session announced their Malta takeover, I knew I had to be there. The small island of Malta, situated in the Mediterranean Sea, is known for its blend of old-world charm and modern Mediterranean living and has also become a popular festival destination. The idea of Tribal, Afro, and Soulful house under the Mediterranean sun, combined with the energy of the Soul Session crowd, had me signing up to Soul Session Malta right away.
The Weareoulsession brand has been running since 2011 and is a Soulful & Tribal House brand for the more seasoned party goer! It has a reputation for its high vibrations, an electric atmosphere, and a dirty bassline, featuring some of London’s finest DJs and artists alongside the ancestral beats of the drum from the Pivotal Wizard, earning it the tagline, “Soul Session are the best sessions.”
Soul Session events bring like-minded individuals together who share a love for house music, good energy, and know how to party!
What I love about Soul Session is its championing of house music done in a UK style. In addition to international DJs, it has a heavy focus on UK talent. Its USP is its inclusion of black British culture, incorporating the sound system and MCs that many of us have grown up with. The evolution from reggae sound system, to Jungle, Garage, Funky, and further to tribal, Afro house, and Amapiano. The incorporation of it all being the embodiment of us and our journey.
The Soul Session brand has accumulated a huge following in recent years, and having attended their events for a while, it’s been great to watch them go from strength to strength. It’s for this reason that I wanted to support their first festival abroad.
For this event, they teamed up with Dayz Like This, Audio Rehab, and, for those wanting an element of R&B, Catch A Groove.
Soul Session Malta
Soul Session Malta took place from 14 to 19 August, and revellers had the option of five or seven
days. Though I usually fly solo, there were three of us on this occasion who stayed for
five days in a triple room at the Bora Bora Hotel in St Paul’s, where the festival took place.
The four-star adults-only hotel is about 17km from Malta International Airport and just a ten-minute walk from Bugibba promenade and the seafront, where you’ll find lots of restaurants. I recommend trying Nine Lives for a sunny spot right by the water, or Umi if you’re in the mood for Asian fusion.
The hotel also has its own restaurant, offering breakfast for €11 a day. For dinner, you can choose from the à la carte menu— the Salmon Salad is a standout. If you get hungry during the day, poolside snacks are available, too.
If you have some free time before or after the festival, consider visiting Gozo. It’s Malta’s quieter, greener sister island and offers a more traditional Mediterranean experience.
Festivalgoers could choose from rooms at the Bora Bora with pool or urban views, double rooms, superior triple or quad rooms, and even VIP party rooms, which were likely reserved for the team and artists.
Thursday evening started strong with the onsite hello party featuring Wigman and Petchy. The day included a poolside hangout, American Jersey and swimwear themes, and pool parties with takeovers from Dayz like This, Audio Rehab, and Catch a Groove.
Saturday was a wake-up and shake-up class with Jess Bee, which was a great touch; I
hope they add to next year. Though I wasn’t involved, just watching it was fun.
Offsite & Boat Party
Offsite club nights were at Beachhaven and Club Uno, which was a beautiful venue and a
pool party at The Toy Room Beach Club.
The boat party was nice vibes with Wigman & Petchy, Gavin Peterson, Melo-D, and Billy Cocks, and a chance to jump in the Mediterranean Sea. In the evening, we had an Open Air Party at Beachhaven with Hyenah, Atjazz, Sammy Confunkton, and Teaser.
Sunday night at Uno was a beautiful venue, and though let down by their headline act, Manoo, Angela Rose stood in and was phenomenal.
We then had an All white party and final farewell at the Toy Room Beach Club, but had to arrive early for a bed. It would have been nice if this were just for Festivalgoers, as it would have meant more beds were free, but it was a great venue all the same and closed off as it started, blazing fire with Groove Assassin, Mark Radford and more.
What did I think?
Soul Session did a great job for their first year, and I barely took any pictures as I went purely to be in the moment and have a good time. However, being a brand that I have come to know and love, I couldn’t not say something about it.
As you may know, I love a festival and have been to quite a few abroad. In some respects, Soul Session was more organised than those who have been doing it for years. However, there is still room for improvement, and I know they will return bigger and better next year.
Expect an even bigger lineup across Soulful, Afro House, Deep House, UK Garage & Old School Party Classics. Do not miss out Soul Session Malta returns next year, 30 July – 4 August, and you can book here.
