Iċ-Ċombini by Lejla Maltija

Iċ-Ċombini is Lejla Maltija’s new featured release in collaboration with Anidroc Productions. The track is now available at the link below:


The ċombini known as lace bobbins have been part of Malta and Gozo’s heritage since the 16th century. Lace making as a craft is still highly valued by tourists today and it is fascinating to watch the deft hands and fingers of the lace makers working on the ċombini. Maltese lace is distinguished by the eight pointed cross that is often included in its design done in a whole or cloth stitch. Other characteristics include leaves known as wheat ears or oats. To appreciate the craft one should be aware that Maltese lace is made by stitching sections which are rarely wider than 6 inches.

More in-depth information available here!

The barbazzal is a type of Maltese jewellery, normally filigree work, an art that demands a very high level of craftsmanship. Maltese lace and barbazzal was part and parcel of the wedding tradition, no bride would dare get married without. This is the theme behind Lejla Maltija’s Iċ-Ċombini. Use has also been made of a traditional Maltese wedding chant, “Busu, busu, la tistħiex,” which the guests sing to the newly wedded couple during the wedding celebrations encouraging the couple to kiss. Kiss him, kiss him, don’t be shy. The song makes use of various homemade Maltese percussive instruments and the zaqq, a type of bagpipe, traditionally made from a goat skin. The lyrics with their translation and explanation in English follow:

Ċikki Ċikki iċ-ċombini, 
Ċikki Ċikki il-barbazzal,
Il-għarusa minn Ħal-Lija,
U l-għarus minn Ħal-Balzan.

(Ċikki is the onomatopeic sound of the bobbins) 
Clicking, clicking the bobbins, Clicking, 
clicking the barbazzal, 
The bride from Lija, 
The groom from Balzan. 

Ċikki Ċikki iċ-ċombini,
Ċikki Ċikki il-barbazzal,
Għax il-libsa trid tkun lesta,
Għax it-tieġ hija l’akbar festa.

Clicking, clicking the bobbins, 
Clicking, clicking the barbazzal, 
For the dress (the bridal dress) must be ready, 
For the wedding is the greatest feast. 

Ċikki Ċikki iċ-ċombini,
Ċikki Ċikki il-barbazzal,
Ikxef il-velu ta l’għarusa,
Biex l’għarus ikun jista jbusa,

Clicking, clicking the bobbins, 
Clicking, clicking the barbazzal, 
Uncover the bride’s veil, 
So that the groom can kiss her. 

Busu, busu la tistħiex.
Give him a kiss, kiss him, don’t be shy.

Watch Iċ-Ċombini live performed by Lejla Maltija 



Below is some video material with regards to Maltese Lace Making.