Malta’s little star: Ramires Sciberras is shining bright

Ramires Sciberras’ musical journey has taken him all across the world. He was born in Cambodia, then moved to Malta to live with his adoptive parents when he was only a baby — his Junior Eurovision song is all about this experience. He considers his mum and dad to be his superheroes.

Now he’s heading to Spain to perform at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2024.

Before he could get his golden ticket to Madrid, Ramires had to battle through the national finals, the Malta Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2024. There were 13 other contestants in the running, but Ramires shone through with his song Stilla Ċkejkna, which means “little star.”

At 12 years old, he’s already had plenty of musical experience. He’s been taking vocal lessons since he was 8, and entered singing competitions at home and internationally. 

He’s especially proud to have won the World Hit category at the prestigious Riga Symphony competition in 2023. To add to his musical repertoire, Ramires has started learning to play the piano.

The first song he ever learnt to sing was the beautiful Husavik (My Hometown) from the Eurovision Song Contest movie, which he chose so he could express his love for the Contest. 

We’re big fans of that song too, but you know what everyone wants, Ramires — play Jaja Ding Dong!

Ramires has got top Maltese talent behind his Junior Eurovision song. Peter Borg and Aleandro Spiteri Monsigneur wrote the music, and are both members of the rock band Red Electric. Peter is considered one of Malta’s best songwriter-producers, and Aleandro opened for none other than Robbie Williams in 2023.

Peter and Aleandro have written for Junior Eurovision before. They were part of the team behind Malta’s Junior Eurovision 2020 entry Chasing Sunsets, performed by Chanel Monseigneur.

The lyrics come from the creative genius of Lon Kirkop, who’s an award-winning author and TV host, as well as being a singer-songwriter. He produces a daily game show and hosts a popular daily TV show. Don’t say the Junior Eurovision family aren’t multi-talented.

There are a lot of parrots in the extended Junior Eurovision 2024 family, and Ramires is adding to that number. He has a parrot called Rio, who loves to sing along to his songs. 

He loves having a feathered backup singer — but please remember Ramires, only human singers on the Junior Eurovision stage.

From one Junior Eurovision star to another, Ramires’ favourite song is Destiny Chukunyere’s Not My Soul. Destiny won the 2015 Contest with this song and her powerhouse vocals, getting Malta their second ever win.

Ramires said: “I've been in love with Destiny's voice ever since I first heard it, and her performance in the competition was just unforgettable. Her powerful vocals and the energy she brought to the stage are what made me a lifelong fan.”

Destiny went on to represent Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021 with the catchy bop Je Me Casse, after she was meant to compete in the 2020 Contest, which was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Outside of the Eurovision world, Ramires’ favourite popstar is Taylor Swift. He loves her incredible songwriting skills, her ability to reinvent herself with every album, and the way her music connects with her fans. He’s also really inspired by her journey in the music industry, and her passion for music.

Ramires is heavily into gaming, and was thrilled to get a gaming PC for his birthday. His favourite character is a classic - Super Mario! 

One of his other hobbies is watching past Eurovision and Junior Eurovision shows on YouTube. 

He says: “There's something about the excitement of the results that gives me such a nice adrenaline rush. It's thrilling to see all the talent on display and to relive those moments of anticipation and celebration.”

If he could be invisible for the day, he’d take that love of performance to the next level. He says he’d sneak backstage at his favourite artists’ concerts and studios, so that he can witness the magic of creativity in action. 

We can’t promise Taylor Swift, but there’ll be plenty of backstage magic in Madrid.

As he was getting ready to head to the Contest, Ramires said: “I've never visited Spain before, so I'm excited that my first trip will be to Madrid! I've heard so much about the culture, food, and vibrant atmosphere there. I can't wait to explore the city and experience everything it has to offer!”

You can learn more about Ramires Sciberras from Malta right here.

You can now stream the official #JESC2024 album and watch all 17 songs over on the official #JESC YouTube channel! 

Make sure to keep up to date with all the latest news and BTS action by following #JESC2024 on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, before Junior Eurovision returns LIVE from the Caja Mágica in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday 16 November.

You can watch the show live on the #JESC YouTube channel and don't forget to vote for your favourites over at JESC.TV when voting opens!