Roberta Tondelli: the voice that whispers to the heart, between Neapolitan roots and soul horizons

From the piazzas of Campania, filled with the determination of a sixteen-year-old whose rhythm is already in her blood, to the international stages where her voice resonates like a bridge between cultures: Roberta Tondelli's career is a mosaic of passion, study, and rare authenticity. In her, the visceral soul of Naples and the cosmopolitan vibes of the Italian Soulful project coexist in a magnetic balance, proving that music is more than just a display of talent, but an act of profound sharing.

A versatile and sensitive artist, Roberta doesn't just interpret music; she inhabits it, transforming it into messages of solidarity, as demonstrated by her ongoing commitment to clown therapy and her travels that transcend linguistic boundaries, reaching audiences in South America and Europe.

With her latest album, "Sussurrando," the artist invites us to rediscover Neapolitan tradition through the refined lens of smooth jazz, in an embrace between past and future that exudes excellence. In this exclusive interview, Roberta opens up about her heartfelt story: from the precious legacy of her apprenticeship to the social mission of art, to her dream of bringing her Naples to the world, with the knowledge that, when you sing with honesty, emotion becomes a universal language.

Roberta, your career began very young, at just 16, in the clubs and squares of Campania. Looking back at that girl taking her first steps in bands and trios, what do you think is the most valuable lesson that your apprenticeship has taught you, and that you still bring to the stage today?

The most valuable lesson was respect for the audience. In the streets and clubs, you have no filters: people are there to have fun, and you have to know how to command their attention, note after note. That 16-year-old girl learned that no matter how big the stage, every single person in front of you deserves your full energy. She also learned that talent isn't enough without discipline and sacrifice. It's a lesson I still carry with me today: never take anything for granted and experience music as a moment of sharing, not just a performance.

From the dedication to Renato Carosone to the duet with Monica Sarnelli, to the project dedicated to Massimo Troisi, your connection to Neapolitan culture is visceral. In an increasingly globalized music market, how important is it for you to keep the identity of the Neapolitan language alive, and how do you manage to make it 'modern' for the new generations?

Maintaining the Neapolitan identity is fundamental because it's my truth. It's not a marketing choice, but a visceral need. How do I make it modern? Simply by living it in the present. Naples isn't the past... it's a constantly evolving energy. If you work and interpret with honesty, audiences, even the younger and/or international ones, perceive that vibration beyond the language.

Your biography reveals a surprising versatility: you move from classic Neapolitan songs to international projects like Italian Soulful (under the pseudonym Arya). How do your Mediterranean soul and your more dance-oriented, international soul coexist? Is there a genre where you feel you express your most authentic side?

Personally, I can't speak of different worlds, but of two different languages, with which I tell my story, my apprenticeship, which has become my "teacher." My Mediterranean soul is my skin, the place I come from that fuels my passion; my Soulful, revivalist, and international soul, on the other hand, is my breath, the desire to discover what lies beyond the horizon. I believe Naples itself has always been a soulful city. I would say my most authentic side lies precisely in this constant movement of notes.

With the song 'Sienteme' you've chosen to concretely support clown therapy and the 'Teniamoci per mano Onlus' association. It's often said that art should 'heal': in your case, how important is the social mission and how much can music really make a difference in the lives of people in difficulty?

How exciting this question is!
For me, music has never been just entertainment, but a true bridge. With 'Sienteme,' the connection with Teniamoci per Mano Onlus was born from the desire to transform words into action. By speaking with the authors (Antonio de Carmine and Mauro Spenillo) and being part of the association at the time, we were able to combine art with volunteering. I believe art has the task of 'healing,' not because it replaces medicine, but because it heals the spirit. The social mission is the heartbeat of every project I undertake: music can give a voice to those who feel invisible and, in this specific case, just like with clown therapy, it can shine a light even in the darkest moments. Making a difference means reminding someone that they are not alone!

The success of the Spanish version of "Oyeme" in South America and its airplay on Swiss radio demonstrate that your voice knows no bounds. What, in your opinion, is the characteristic of your singing that manages to move even those who don't speak your language or are unfamiliar with your traditions?

My friend Moreno would be delighted to answer this question. He helped me tremendously, along with another friend of mine (Carmela), with my Spanish pronunciation, which was very important to me, out of respect for the land and the audience who would listen to it. Luca Bordignon, on the other hand, took care of the simultaneous translation of the lyrics. It was a team effort, between the north and south of the country, united with Spain. A job done with extreme sincerity, which I firmly believe is the key to everything. When I sing, I don't try to impress technically, but to experience the song in that moment, to feel it as mine and make it my own. For me, emotion is a universal language: if what you feel is authentic, it touches the heart of the listener, regardless of the language they speak.

Let's talk about your next artistic goals.

With "Sussurrando" I wanted to build a bridge between past and future. Together with Mauro Spenillo, we've captured the Neapolitan essence that is our DNA and dressed it in a refined, international, smooth jazz guise. It's not just an album; it's a sensory journey that boasts collaborations with musicians of extraordinary renown, both nationally and internationally. My next goal—or rather, my dream—is to bring this musical embrace, which I cherish like a child, in the form of a concert/show, from Naples to the rest of Italy, and, why not, to make it known abroad, demonstrating that our tradition is universal. I'll do my best to achieve this.

 Luciano Carotenuto