Fedez captivated audiences during his performance of 'Battito' at Sanremo 2025, leaving behind the gossip and focusing on his artistry.
Having emerged as one of the festival's most anticipated acts, the rapper took to the stage at the Teatro Ariston, where the atmosphere was charged with expectation. This marked Fedez’s second appearance at the renowned festival, following his second-place finish back in 2021 with 'Chiamami per nome'. This year, he returned with 'Battito', a song steeped in personal struggles, primarily aimed at shedding light on his mental health challenges.
Fedez's performance did not go unnoticed. Viewers were struck not only by the musicality of 'Battito' but by the emotional turmoil expressed through his lyrics and stage presence. Sporting stark black contact lenses, Fedez symbolically represented the darkness he fights against—echoing lyrics such as 'dentro i miei occhi guerra dei mondi'. The rapper openly addressed themes of love and hate, stating on social media prior to the festival, "Battito è una canzone d’amore e d’odio... Non possiamo controllare ciò che accade intorno a noi, ma possiamo decidere come reagire a tutto questo." This narrative of self-reflection offers listeners insight not just about Fedez’s battles, but about the universal struggle against personal demons.
Audience reactions flowed through social media—one commenter observed, "Occhi sgranati e strani, baffo sudato, mano tremula che tiene il microfono," capturing the rapper's evident anxiety. Those who witnessed his performance acknowledged the palpable fear, yet also resilience, displayed on stage. The emotional stakes were high and so were Fedez's nerves, at times rendering his voice nearly inaudible. Yet, this raw sensitivity added depth to the performance, making every word resonate with fans.
'Battito' is described by Fedez as a song about confronting one's struggles. According to him, the track embodies the cyclical nature of life lessons—"Cadiamo per imparare a rialzarci. Cadiamo perché la vita non smetterà di riproporci la stessa lezione, finché non la faremo nostra." This personal reflection attests to his belief in the need for vulnerability, not only as part of the artistic process but as a life philosophy.
This performance’s emotional backdrop is enhanced by the songs’ brutal, frank lyrics dealing with concepts of depression depicted as an 'uninvited guest': "Ti porterei in terapia Solo per farti capire, il male che fai... Vedo il bicchiere Mezzo pieno Con due gocce di veleno." Behind these lines lies the heart of Fedez's message—he is attempting to reclaim his narrative from mental illness and raise awareness about the realities many face but are often afraid to address openly.
Fedez has previously spoken candidly about his experiences with mental health challenges and antidepressants like Fluoxetine, sharing insights about both the struggles and stigma surrounding mental illness. His lyrics explore the dissatisfaction and difficulties he faced: "Fluoxetina, poca saliva" served as reminders of his past encounters with pharmaceuticals and the side effects they wrought. The honesty rendered within 'Battito’ is not just therapeutic for the artist but resonates widely among listeners who may share similar experiences.
Throughout this festival, the entire experience feels like Fedez's cathartic retreat, allowing both him and his audience to embrace the healing power of music. Many believe his return to the festival will serve as not just individual empowerment but as open discourse around mental health. This is particularly poignant within the music industry, where pressures of fame and success may often be shrouded by glamour, hiding the true struggles beneath the surface.
Fedez, once again, demonstrates his commitment to authenticity as he performs 'Battito'. His ability to transform personal struggle intertwined with public narrative underlines the dual capacity of music as both personal release and collective healing.
Overall, Sanremo 2025 could mark Fedez's significant milestone—not just as another festival participant but as an artist leading conversations on important issues of mental health, demonstrating how vulnerability can empower not only the individual but also the community he is part of.