At the upcoming Sanremo 2025, the stage at Teatro Ariston will witness not just another musical performance, but a poignant moment of connection between generations as Paolo Kessisoglu takes the stage with his daughter, Lunita Kessisoglu. Known for his talent and charisma as both actor and comedian, Paolo has made headlines over the years for his impactful contributions to Italian entertainment. This year, he will share the spotlight with Lunita, who, performing under the name IAMOLLIE, is making her debut at this prestigious festival.
Lunita, at just 21 years old, is already carving out her own identity as an artist, distancing herself from the shadows of her father’s fame. She has diligently pursued her path as a pianist and songwriter, embracing her individuality and advocating for issues important to her generation. Her song, "Paura di Me" (Fear of Me), promises to be both personal and universal, delving deep within the emotional struggles faced by modern youth.
Set to perform on February 14, 2025, during the festival's fourth evening renowned for duets, the pair's song addresses pressing themes of youth isolation, particularly the phenomenon known as hikikomori, where young individuals deliberately withdraw from society. This compelling narrative is not just about isolation, but also about the often unspoken challenges of parent-child communication. The heartfelt lyrics are expected to stir emotions, prompting reflections on the generational divides experienced by families.
Both Lunita and Paolo believe the song goes beyond personal experience; it serves as a message to all who feel misunderstood or marginalized. Lunita emphasizes, "When adolescents struggle, it’s important they don’t feel judged for their pain. All families should engage with each other to find ways to support one another."
Paolo adds to this sentiment, highlighting the growing concern surrounding adolescent mental health. He remarks, "The pandemic acted as a trigger for worsening situations we’ve seen for the past decade. Adolescent mental health is fundamental. Until everyone steps up and realizes it concerns them, meaningful prevention won’t be possible." Their performance is not just about showcasing talent, but also about sparking dialogue around such significant issues.
The song recounts the sentiments of confusion and helplessness among youth, conveying realities many face today. Included within the lyrics is the poignant line, "Credimi papà che tu ci annegheresti/ in questa mia tempesta" (Believe me, Dad, you'd drown us/ in this storm of mine), representing the emotions felt when generations struggle to connect with each other.
Paolo’s previous encounters with the festival, including his role as co-host and being involved as a judge for Sanremo Giovani, have built his credibility within the music scene, rendering this duet particularly impactful. This performance marks not only Lunita’s introduction to Sanremo’s audience but also signifies her deep commitment to addressing issues of societal relevance through her music.
Beyond the stage, this father-daughter duo has been dedicated advocates for the well-being of young people. Paolo founded the association "C'è da fare" to support young individuals dealing with mental health challenges, particularly those affected by feelings of isolation exacerbated by the pandemic. This proactive approach indicates their serious commitment to fostering change and awareness beyond music.
With the anticipation building leading up to their performance, both Lunita and Paolo are eager to utilize this opportunity to not only entertain but to reach out to those who might be struggling. The music will serve as their platform to communicate and create awareness about issues affecting youth, particularly emphasizing the necessity of open dialogues within families.
They have hopes of touching hearts and instigated meaningful conversations through their heartfelt song. Sanremo 2025 will not just be another festival performance; this will be the launch of IAMOLLIE’s artistic identity and will mark her true commitment as she steps out of her father's shadow. The dynamic energy between father and daughter, coupled with their shared passion for music and advocacy, creates formidable potential for creating lasting impact.
Look for their performance at the Sanremo festival, where feelings will intertwine with artistry, shedding light on cultural challenges faced by today’s youth, inviting families to embrace vulnerability and engage openly. Together, they aim to inspire and resonate with many, articulately bridging the gap between generations through the healing power of music.