Rocco Hunt took the stage at the Primo Maggio concert in Rome on May 1, 2025, captivating the audience with a vibrant performance filled with his greatest hits. The rapper from Salerno opened the show in Piazza San Giovanni with his latest single, "Ragazzo di giù," which also serves as the title of his recently released album, launched just a week prior on April 25, 2025, through Epic Records / Sony Music Italy. Hunt's energetic setlist included fan favorites such as "Mille vote ancora," "Cosa ti amo a fare," and the iconic "Nu juorno buono," creating a lively atmosphere that had the crowd dancing and reflecting simultaneously.
The 2025 edition of the Primo Maggio concert was themed "Il futuro suona oggi" (The Future Sounds Today), focusing on music as a tool for storytelling, awareness, and change. The event featured a total of 52 artists and bands, including notable performers like Achille Lauro, Alfa, Arisa, Brunori Sas, Elodie, Gabri Ponte, Gaia, Ghali, Giorgia, Lucio Corsi, Mondo Marcio, and The Kolors, showcasing a diverse array of musical talent.
The concert, organized by iCompany and promoted by the labor unions Cgil, Cisl, and Uil, emphasized the importance of work safety with the slogan "Uniti per un lavoro sicuro" (United for Safe Work). This theme resonated throughout the event, as speakers highlighted the need for collective awareness regarding labor rights and safety measures.
During the event, Pierpaolo Bombardieri, the Uil secretary, stated, "The dignity of work cannot be separated from safety," underscoring the concert's commitment to advocating for worker rights. The day served not only as a celebration of music but also as a platform for social reflection and dialogue about crucial issues affecting workers in Italy.
The hosts for this year's concert were Noemi, Ermal Meta, and BigMama, who guided the audience through a program that lasted over ten hours, culminating in a rich tapestry of musical performances that spanned various genres and generations. The event was broadcast live on multiple platforms, including Rai 3, Rai Radio2, RaiPlay, and Rai Italia, starting at 1:30 PM and continuing until after midnight, ensuring that a wide audience could participate in the celebration.
For those unable to attend in person, the concert was accessible for free streaming via RaiPlay, with the possibility of viewing it from abroad using a VPN service such as NordVPN. This made it easier for fans worldwide to join in the festivities and support their favorite artists.
Rocco Hunt's performance was particularly noteworthy as it highlighted his ability to blend urban rap with contemporary pop sounds, maintaining a strong and recognizable identity. His lyrics, often a mix of Italian and Neapolitan dialect, serve as a cultural affirmation, resonating deeply with his audience. The authenticity of his words, both harsh and poetic, strikes a chord and reflects the realities of everyday life.
Hunt's latest album, "Ragazzo di giù," features collaborations with various artists, including Gigi D’Alessio on "Giura," Irama on "Cchiu bene e me," Baby Gang and Massimo Pericolo on "Fratmo," and Clementino on "Yes I know my way." This album showcases his versatility and commitment to exploring different musical styles while staying true to his roots.
Throughout the concert, the emphasis on new talent was also evident, with the finalists of the 1MNEXT contest—Cordio, DINìCHE, and Fellow—given the opportunity to perform alongside established artists. This initiative not only promotes emerging voices in the music industry but also reinforces the concert's role as a platform for cultural exchange and growth.
The event's artistic direction was led by Massimo Bonelli, while Fabrizio Guttuso Alaimo handled the production, ensuring that the concert was of high quality both musically and visually. The collaboration among various artists and the inclusion of significant social themes made the 2025 Primo Maggio concert a memorable occasion.
As the sun set over Rome, the atmosphere in Piazza San Giovanni became electric, with the audience united in their love for music and the shared message of solidarity. The concert not only celebrated the contributions of workers but also served as a reminder of the power of music to inspire change and foster community.
This year's event has set a high bar for future editions, showcasing how music can transcend boundaries and bring people together for a common cause. With its rich history and commitment to social issues, the Primo Maggio concert continues to be a vital part of Italy's cultural landscape, reminding everyone of the importance of unity and the ongoing struggle for workers' rights.
