At the 2025 Sanremo Festival, Tony Effe made waves with his debut performance, showcasing his artistic evolution and love for his city, Rome. The rapper, whose real name is Nicolò Rapisarda, stood out not only for his song 'Damme 'na mano' but also for his surprising choice to perform without visible tattoos, which he has prominently displayed throughout his career.
Donning an eye-catching total white outfit from Gucci, Tony Effe presented himself on stage with elegance. He wore a double-breasted jacket, tonal shirt, and stylish gloves, marking his appearance as one of the most memorable of the night. The absence of his usual tattoos - which he covered with makeup and gloves - hinted at the desire for transformation and perhaps redemption, following controversies surrounding some of his earlier, more provocative lyrics.
“It’s a very personal song. It’s a dedication, speaking about a woman and Rome,” Tony Effe shared with RaiPlay, reflecting on the meaning behind 'Damme 'na mano'. The song evokes the streets of his hometown and expresses deep emotions tied to love and personal connections. The performance acted as both an homage to his roots and as part of his larger narrative of growth as an artist.
Born in 1991, Tony Effe gained fame as one of the founding members of the Dark Polo Gang, which helped shape the Italian trap scene. His career took off with hits like 'Sesso e Samba', released with fellow artist Gaia, contributing to his rise as one of Italy's most discussed personalities. But during Sanremo 2025, it was evident he embraced this stage as more than just another performance; it was about redefining himself.
Noemi, who partnered with Tony during the festival, commented on his apparent change, stating, “It seems Tony is undergoing a metamorphosis... I bet on him as a person.” Her words suggest recognition of his efforts to evolve beyond past criticisms, especially those concerning his previous themes, often seen as misogynistic and controversial.
Throughout the performance, many fans noted the stark difference between Tony’s previous, more rebellious image and the polished presentation witnessed at the festival. This rebranding was not accidental but likely influenced by both his desire for artistic sincerity and the controversies he faced, including his exclusion from New Year's celebrations due to past actions deemed inappropriate.
Performance day began with Tony Effe arriving at the festival, where his playful nature shone through, as he distributed traditional Italian pastries known as ‘maritozzi’ to fans. His apparent charm set the atmosphere before he took to the famed Ariston stage.
With each lyric of 'Damme 'na mano', Tony Effe conveyed not only the narrative of love and longing but also alluded to his struggles. Themes reflecting his personal life and experiences intertwined seamlessly with his lyrics, making the song resonate with listeners. The repeated plea for help and connection echoed through the theater, capturing the audience's attention.
“Every night is forever on the streets of Rome,” Tony sang, conjuring imagery of his city, his love life, and the vibrant culture interwoven throughout his upbringing. His lines spark reflections on relationships, decision-making, and emotional vulnerability.
Interestingly, this performance also seemed to mark the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another for Tony Effe. The strategic choice to cover his tattoos might express not just aesthetic preferences but also signify moving past his earlier persona—one often associated with rebellion and controversy. Instead, he appeared on stage as someone ready to embrace accountability for his past actions.
Following the debut, social media buzzed with reactions, with many users commenting on the dramatic change and speculating on the decision to present himself as devoid of his trademark tattoos. “Where did Tony Effe’s tattoos go?” became the central question among fans, highlighting both intrigue and curiosity surrounding his image.
This unexpected transformation did not go unnoticed by others at the festival. Fellow artists, encouraged by Tony’s more reserved appearance, also opted for sophisticated looks, departing from the provocative styles often associated with rap performances.
Even the overall tone of the event reflected this shift, emphasizing creativity rather than controversy. The festival stage became a place for exploration and expression, where artists could reinvent themselves without the necessity of shock value.
By embracing this new chapter, Tony Effe not only paid tribute to the artistry he admired—invoking feelings of nostalgia for great Italian songwriters like Califano—but also highlighted his ambitions within the music scene. The echoes of his past echoed softly but firmly, wrapped within melodies of love and heritage.
The Sanremo Festival continues to be significant not just for its music but also for its cultural impact, serving as a platform for transformation and artistic reinvention, which was perhaps epitomized most compellingly by Tony Effe's performance. Amid the glamor and spectacle, one thing remains clear: this is just the next phase for the artist, and fans are eager to see where he goes from here.