Amid the enthusiasm and curious questions of the Impact! crew at the Giffoni Film Festival, Rocco Hunt lit a spark that transcends music: that of local pride. "A Festival in Campania would be wonderful," he declared, imagining a symbolic move of Sanremo to Naples or Salerno. The Salerno-born rapper played at "giving grist to his mill," but seriously emphasized that the South has all the right ingredients to host an event of that caliber: culture, talent, and identity.
His is a declaration of love for Southern Italy, but also an act of cultural revenge. "In 2014, they asked me to change the chorus of 'Nu juorno buono' . They wanted Italian, saying that rap in dialect wouldn't make it big. But I won Sanremo Giovani singing in Neapolitan. And today everyone sings it, even those who aren't Neapolitan." Thus, the language becomes resistance and pride, a "poetry" made of childhood, pain, and joy.
Hunt's story intertwines with his artistic choices, always consistent with his roots. From the tour that will conclude at the Royal Palace of Caserta, to the silent encounters in parishes, hospitals, and prisons: "It's not about appearances, but about being there," he said. "It's the example that counts."
In the music scene, Rocco Hunt currently collaborates with artists such as Irama, Baby Gang, and Noemi. His latest song, 'Oh Ma' , is already among the most played songs on the radio. "It's confirmation that people recognize the truth when they hear it ," he emphasized, urging the kids to never betray who they are: "Your roots are the strength that will guide you, even when you're far away."
The article discusses an interesting and important topic: music and cultural identity. Rocco Hunt made some strong statements that provoke reflection on the role of the South in Italian music. I wonder if there will be more similar events in the future; that would be positive for everyone.