While Maltese music today is largely western, traditional Maltese music includes what is known as "l-ghana" (pronounced as laana). This consists of background folk guitar music, while two or three persons take it in turns to argue a point in a melodic voice. The aim of the lyrics, which are improvized, are to create a friendly yet challenging atmosphere, and takes a number of years of practice to be able to combine the required artistic qualities with the ability to debate effectively.

Other Maltese music is folk music with emphasis on guitar and tambourine; instrumental music is called daqqaqa. Wind band music, with strong Spanish and Italian influences, are also popular at each annual village or town festival (festa).