Dialect music is gaining more and more popularity, especially thanks to the spread of platforms such as YouTube. In Italy, dialects are a cultural wealth that is also expressed through music. In recent years, several artists have brought their songs in dialect to success, gaining millions of views and bringing local traditions to an increasingly global audience. This phenomenon highlights the vitality of local culture, demonstrating how traditional roots can merge with the contemporary musical trends to create something unique and fascinating. Music is becoming, more and more, a powerful instrument of cultural expression, capable of telling stories, emotions and life experiences in an authentic and engaging way.
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Geolier and Liberato: The Kings of Neapolitan Music on YouTube
Geolier and Liberato are two of the most influential figures in the contemporary Neapolitan music scene, both capable of mixing tradition and modernity in their works. Geolier, whose real name is Emanuele Palumbo, reached the top of the charts with his single “Come vuoi”, which has accumulated 47 million views on YouTube. His rap music, deeply rooted in the culture of Secondigliano, tells real-life stories and daily challenges, touching the hearts of many young Neapolitans.
Set free, another “phenomenon” of Neapolitan music, has captured attention with his unique style that combines the Neapolitan dialect with electronic and dance sounds. The mysterious artist, known for his secret identity, has released hits like “Tu T'e Scurdat' 'E Me,” which has reached 44 million views on YouTube. His songs evoke vivid images of Naples, with references to iconic places like Mergellina and Procida, and tell stories of love and nostalgia. Liberato has been able to create a unique musical identity, maintaining an aura of mystery that continues to fascinate the public.
Music as a bridge between past and present
In an increasingly globalized world, music continues to be an extraordinary vehicle of cultural identity and local languages. The use of dialect in Geolier and Liberato's songs is a clear example of how tradition can integrate with new musical trends. Geolier's latest success at the Sanremo Festival, although accompanied by controversy over the use of dialect, has underlined the importance of keeping one's cultural roots alive. Music in dialect thus becomes a way to express one's personal and cultural identity, allowing artists to tell deep and authentic stories. This phenomenon demonstrates how tradition can be a bridge between past and present, uniting generations and preserving the linguistic and cultural nuances of different Italian locations.
Local Traditions, Global Successes: Preply Study
The study conducted by Preply, the reality that shared the complete ranking of the most popular dialect songs on YouTube, allows us to understand how artists from different generations and Italian regions use music to preserve and enhance their linguistic traditions. From the reggae sounds of the Sud Sound System in Puglia, which encourage respect for local and distant cultures, to the intimate tales of the romantic Genoese alleys of Fabrizio De André, the linguistic diversity of Italy is reflected in every note and verse.
Each Italian region brings with it a wealth of dialects and unique musical traditions. Music thus becomes a vehicle for telling the stories of local communities, keeping languages and cultures alive across generations.
Dialect songs are a cultural treasure that continues to evolve, adapting to modern times without losing their connection to the past.
Preply's Study Methodology
Preply staff analyzed the videos of dialect songs with the most views on YouTube, focusing exclusively on original songs by artists who have produced at least one song in dialect. Covers and popular songs were excluded to ensure that the analysis reflected the originality and authenticity of the artists. View data was collected as of February 15, 2024, offering an up-to-date picture of the popularity of dialect music.
Article published on May 17, 2024 - 18:12 pm
