Photo by Choy Hong (Jasmine) Grech
On the 21st June 2006, Maltese folk singer, Frans Baldacchino, more popularly known as il-Budaj passed away at the age of 63.
On the 22nd June 2006 Maltamedia.com reported the following:
“Il-Budaj began his love for folklore music at a young age, and was also passionate about opera and classical music. He loved writing poetry and was awarded a diploma a short while ago for his poetry by the group ‘Poeti Maltin’ of which he was a member. The much-loved singer participated in many folklore festivals, both on a local and international level, singing in Canada, France, Libya, Greece and Tunisia.
Frans Baldacchino earned himself the nickname il-Budaj in the 1950s, when the Hungarian football team Honved visited Malta. The players included Puskas and Bodai, whose name got passed on to Baldacchino’s brother who also played football, and eventually was given to Frans.
Born in Zejtun on May 16, 1943, il-Budaj emigrated to Australia during the 60s where he formed part of a folklore group together with other Maltese emigrants. He returned to Malta in the 1970s.”
Yesterday the Zejtun Local Council commemorated the fifth anniversary from il-Budaj’s death by the issue of a stamp. Il-Budaj has always kept the name of his hometown at hearth.
Frans you merit all our esteem!
Wirt iż-Żejtun 
Frans was a unique ghannej and a unique human being. Sad that he left us too early. His ghana and writings will be enjoyed and appreciated for many generations to come.
Requiescat in pace dear friend.
Alfred & Jasmine Grech