At the prestigious Sanremo 2025 festival, Shablo, Guè, Joshua, and Tormento made their debut with their collaborative piece, "La mia parola." This performance marked not only the introduction of Shablo, the producer, to the iconic stage of Teatro Ariston but also highlighted the melding of various generations within the Italian urban music scene.
The song, which incorporates elements of rap, R&B, and black musical traditions, speaks to the struggles and aspirations associated with urban life. Shablo, whose real name is Pablo Miguel Lombroni Capalbo, expressed, "Sanremo is an iconic stage, and arriving here with a song we feel is ours is a great emotion." Indeed, this collaboration brings together diverse musical backgrounds, creating something truly unique for the audience.
Alongside Shablo, Guè, born Cosimo Fini, is noted for his historic contributions to the Italian rap scene, having been part of the influential Club Dogo. His distinctive storytelling can be heard vividly throughout the song. Joshua, the freshest voice among them, born in 1995, adds emotional depth with his R&B influences, capturing hearts with his warm tone. Tormento, immortalized as part of the influential group Sottotono, embodies the essence of authenticity within the rap genre, contributing to the creation of a piece rich with narrative and lived experience.
The song "La mia parola" is described as not merely music, but as a reflection of values and promises amid the chaos of modern life. Shablo elaborated, "The word is a commitment, something beyond mere promises. This song explores the importance of coherence and respect for oneself and others through direct and sincere lyrics." The song’s engaging narrative captures the daily challenges faced by those living within urban environments, exploring themes of resilience and hope.
The collaborative effort behind the track also involves the talents of Edoardo Medici, Luca Faraone, Roberto Lamanna, and Ralph Lautrec—further underscoring the depth of artistic input this piece has received. The artists aimed to create something authentic, tinged with nostalgia for the '90s urban sound, hoping to present it to the festival audience with fresh energy.
"We wanted to bring something representing us," said Shablo. "We sensed the times were right to introduce on the Ariston stage an alternative rap version we grew up with." Their intent to share their diverse musical lineage is paired with delight and anticipation as they interact with fans and observers. This performance serves as both entertainment and education for those unfamiliar with the roots of hip-hop and urban music.
The audience’s response was electric, indicating the track’s resonance within the broader cultural conversation. The performance is notable not only for the artists involved but also for the way it showcased the evolution of Italian rap over the years. The melding of different styles during their performance highlighted the song’s universal themes, allowing the artists to connect with both young and older generations present at the festival.
Each artist brings their unique flavor to the song—Guè’s raw energy, Joshua’s soulful serenade, Tormento’s authenticity, and Shablo’s production prowess demonstrate the importance of collaboration and creativity within the Italian music scene.
Shablo’s entry to the festival signifies more than just another performer; it symbolizes evolution and cross-pollination of genres within Italy's vibrant musical culture. "La mia parola" stands as both a declaration of who they are and what they represent—a dynamic force within the urban music tradition.
With hopes pinned high, Shablo, Guè, Joshua, and Tormento have set the stage for something memorable at Sanremo 2025. Regardless of the competition, their contribution has sparked conversations about the richness and complexity of urban narratives, paving the way for future innovations.
Fans eagerly await what this diverse group will bring next, but one thing is certain: they have left their mark on Sanremo and the urban music scene at large with "La mia parola." Their performance was not just about musical entertainment; it was, intrinsically, about storytelling and forging connections through art.