Rocco Hunt, the renowned Salernitan rapper, makes his much-anticipated return to the stage of the Festival di Sanremo for the third time, presenting his latest piece, "Mille volte ancora". This year’s 75th edition of the prestigious festival, taking place on February 11, 2025, sees Hunt standing out among 29 competing artists.
Hunt first captured the attention of the music world during the 2014 Sanremo Festival, where he won the "Nuove Proposte" category with his hit song "Nu juorno buono," marking the first victory for an Napoletano hip-hop piece. Eleven years later, his performance of "Mille volte ancora" encapsulates not only his personal artistic evolution but also resonates with many young individuals who face the bittersweet experience of relocating, hoping for greater opportunities.
This new song showcases Hunt's unique blend of rap with Mediterranean influences, and it explores themes of nostalgia, identity, and emotional connections to his homeland. Reflecting on the meaning behind the track, Hunt says, "Mille volte ancora racconta la mia storia, ma anche quella di molti ragazzi che vivono situazioni simili." ("A thousand times again tells my story, but also the story of many boys who live similar situations.") He emphasizes how leaving one's home creates feelings of distance and longing, which he captures poignantly through his lyrics.
"Mille volte ancora" operates on two dimensions: the love for his roots amid the trials of his upbringing and the universal struggle of leaving home to seek one's path. "Se dovessi pensare a una sola immagine per definire la mia canzone, sicuramente direi: un quartiere qualunque o un bambino che sogna" ("If I had to think of one image to define my song, I would definitely say: any neighborhood or a dreaming child"), Hunt elaborates, demonstrating the emotional connection he seeks to establish through his music.
The lyrics are rooted deeply in personal experiences, showcasing Hunt's childhood memories and the realities of growing up within the societal constraints of his environment. "Ogni giorno è un regalo per chi come me è destinato a partire" ("Every day is a gift for those like me who are destined to leave"), he reflects, touching upon both the optimism and the challenges faced by those pursuing their aspirations.
Musically, the song is crafted to evoke memories of youth, with references to the simple pleasures of life like the scent of freshly brewed coffee and playing football on the streets. With Hunt's characteristic style, he mixes mellifluous melodies with rap verses, creating what can be described as Mediterranean hip-hop. He nods to the cultural and social idiosyncrasies of his region, reminding the listeners of the juxtaposition between sweet and bitter nostalgia.
During his performance at Sanremo, Hunt collaborates with orchestrator Enzo Campagnoli, whose contributions help to enrich the song’s emotive soundscape, adding layers of depth to Hunt’s delivery. The song is described as having more melodic choruses alongside rap verses, resembling Hunt's earlier work and celebrating his roots as the 'urban poet'.
His return to the festival is not merely about showcasing his music; it's about conveying messages of resilience and the importance of remembering one's origins. "Mille volte ancora" seeks to inspire courage and determination among the younger generations. Hunt aims to send this message powerfully, stating, "Nella vita serve coraggio e determinazione e guai a dimenticare le proprie origini" ("Life requires courage and determination, and one must never forget their origins").
To many fans, Rocco Hunt is not just another star; he embodies the real stories of those who have walked similar paths, making his music particularly relatable. His reflections of the struggles and joys of leaving home serve as both testimony and motivation for those who find themselves facing similar choices.
With this new entry at Sanremo, Hunt continues to advocate for change, not just within his community but across Italy. He speaks honestly to the realities of living in difficult conditions, and how music can serve as both an escape and a reflection of the life experiences individuals wish to share.
Through "Mille volte ancora," Rocco Hunt reminds us of the potent mix of nostalgia, longing, and hope, representing those who dare to dream beyond the comforts of their neighborhoods. The emotional authenticity of his performance will undoubtedly resonate with audiences, making this Sanremo not only a showcase of music but also of heartfelt stories.