Shablo, the talented music producer and now artist, is making waves at the Sanremo Festival 2025, marking his debut with the compelling song "La mia parola." Accompanied on stage by notable collaborators Guè, Tormento, and Joshua, Shablo is set to showcase his distinctive sound, melding rap and R&B to address pressing urban issues.
At the 75th edition of the Festival, Shablo expresses his excitement about transitioning from the role of manager to performer. Speaking on Radio Number One, he described the relief he feels as he steps onto the stage as an artist, stating, "Oggi fatemi fare l’artista. È molto molto meno stressante che farlo da manager" ("Today let me be the artist. It is much less stressful than being the manager"). His enthusiasm is palpable as he navigates this new chapter of his career.
Shablo’s entry to Sanremo is particularly significant considering his extensive background as a manager for other artists, including Gaia, Irama, and Rkomi. He humorously notes, “Pensavo di essere l'unico, e invece Adriano Celentano mi ha fregato il primato del manager” ("I thought I would be the only one, but Adriano Celentano beat me to the title of manager"). This playful rivalry sets the tone for his unique position at the festival, where he will showcase his artistry all the meanwhile supporting his clients behind the scenes.
"La mia parola" embodies Shablo's intent to connect the urban music scene with broader musical traditions. He aims to deliver not just another competition piece, but rather to highlight cultural dialogues among diverse genres. Reflecting on the evolution of urban music, he reiterated, "Sanremo ha un’importanza fondamentale per la musica italiana, anche per chi viene dal mondo urban" ("Sanremo is fundamentally important for Italian music, even for those coming from the urban world").
Shablo also notes how the modern urban genre has evolved significantly compared to the rap music of the 1990s. He perceives himself as somewhat of a bridge between these eras, helping to fuse traditional and contemporary styles. "Oggi c’è la musica urban che è in cima alle classifiche ma sembra totalmente scollegata da quello che l’ha generata" ("Today urban music tops the charts but seems entirely disconnected from its origins"), Shablo remarked. With his background, he hopes to reintegrate these cultural threads at Sanremo.
Looking at his collaboration with other artists, Shablo reveals the synergy he shares with Guè, Tormento, and Joshua. He describes Tormento as both inspiration and mentor, wishing to bring his unique expertise to the festival, saying, "Tormento è stato per noi un’ispirazione e un maestro" ("Tormento has been both inspiration and teacher for us"). They plan to bring something distinctive to the stage, aiming to balance out the traditional Sanremo sound with fresh urban vibes.
A key moment of Shablo's participation is the cover segment where he collaborates with Neffa, highlighting artists from the past alongside the present. “Abbiamo scelto Neffa perché ha segnato gli anni ‘90” ("We chose Neffa because he marked the '90s"). This pairing not only showcases the interconnectedness of different musical generations but also emphasizes the growth and maturity within the Italian music scene.
Shablo's experience at the Festival has been fulfilling so far. He explained, "Sto vivendo questa settimana molto bene" ("I am living this week very well"), remarking on the intense emotions and dynamics of performing. For him, daily meditation has been key to managing the pressure associated with such a high-stakes event. Not only does his return to artistry serve as personal catharsis, but it also aims to inspire and uplift newer artists around him.
Post-Sanremo, Shablo has plans to release his long-awaited album and go on tour, emphasizing the importance of this endeavor as it marks his return to frontline music after more than 15 years. He expressed excitement about the opportunity this festival brings to showcase his work to new audiences, highlighting the significance of incorporating elements of the urban genre to create something irresistibly catchy.
With such rich interconnections between past and present, as well as competitive spirit between the myriad of artists, Shablo's Sanremo 2025 experience promises to be one for the books. Whether backed by the allure of nostalgia or buoyed by contemporary innovation, his presence at this iconic Italian festival speaks volumes for the future of urban music.