Maltese folk singer, Frans Baldacchino, more popularly known as il-Budaj died at the age of 63 in 2006. His untimely death was undoubtedly affected many people who recognised the great talent and value that Frans Baldacchino possessed.

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.