Kekko Silvestre, frontman of the popular Italian pop rock band Modà, recently opened up about his life, career challenges, and family during his appearance on the talk show Verissimo, hosted by Silvia Toffanin. This interview on February 22, 2025, turned out to be particularly poignant as it followed his participation at the Festival di Sanremo, where his experience was marred by personal difficulties.
During the Sanremo festival, Kekko faced significant challenges when he took a tumble down the stairs at the Teatro Ariston. The incident caused injuries to his ribs, forcing him to withdraw from certain activities so he could conserve his energy for the performance of his song "Non ti dimentico." Despite these setbacks, the song landed at 22nd place, which Kekko described as bittersweet. He reflected on the experience with Toffanin, expressing how life at Sanremo didn’t pan out as he had hoped due to the injuries.
Kekko was born Francesco Silvestre on February 17, 1978, in Milan, but his roots trace back to Southern Italy—his father is from Naples, and his mother hails from Calabria. The Silvestri family name was incorrectly recorded, resulting in the more awkward surname of Silvestre, which they have since embraced.
Aside from his musical endeavors, the pop star revealed some deeply personal struggles he has faced, including battling depression. Kekko shared, "Il 29 aprile 2021 mi sono svegliato e non riuscivo più a piegare le gambe...la brutta è che hai la depressione," admitting there was a time when he could barely get out of bed, missing even significant family events like his daughter's first communion. This moment became pivotal for him, as he turned to his longtime partner, Laura Valente, for support during these dark times.
Laura Valente is prominent not just as Kekko’s wife but also as his unwavering supporter throughout his career. Their relationship spans over two decades, filled with love and mutual support. Kekko said of Laura, "Mi sono sempre stati vicino, lei mi conosce bene. Ha vissuto tutta la carriera dei Modà," underscoring her role as his foundation and source of strength during challenging periods.
The couple finally tied the knot after 23 years of being together. "Dopo 23 anni di fidanzamento, mi sono sposato," Kekko shared, illustrating the commitment they have for each other. They wed not just once but twice—first on July 17, and the second ceremony on August 10, 2021, celebrated grandly with family and friends.
Out of their partnership came their daughter, Gioia, born in 2011, whose name means 'joy' and is emblematic of the happiness she has brought to their lives. Kekko has dedicated a complete album to her, encapsulating his love and the transformative effect fatherhood has had on him. He now considers his family as integral to his identity, stating, "Mi hanno aiutato tanto"—highlighting how Laura and Gioia have been pivotal to his recovery and stability.
Throughout their relationship, which began when they were young, Laura has remained steadfast and influential, keeping Kekko grounded amid his rising fame. Their love story, marked by years of companionship, resonates with many fans who admire not only his music but also the strength of their bond.
Kekko and Modà’s musical career initiated under the name 'Pop Doc' back in 2002. The evolution of the group brought them success with numerous hits like "La notte," "Come un pittore," and they uniquely achieved the diamond disc status—an honor unprecedented for Italian bands. Their debut at the Sanremo festival came early on, with the song "Riesci a innamorarmi," followed by their memorable second-place finish with "Arriverà" alongside singer Emma Marrone.
Returning to the music scene after some time away for personal recuperation, Kekko Silvestre keeps audiences mesmerized. The support from Laura and his vibrant daughter Gioia undeniably motivates him, inspiring his artistic soul as he continues to share his story through song. With resilience guiding him, he looks forward to what lies next, both as a performer and as a husband and father.