Italian singer and rapper
Lorenzo Cherubini, best known as "Jovanotti", turns 50 on
Tuesday and is celebrating several decades of chart and musical
success.
After starting as a DJ in Rome's discos, he moved on to
radio stations in Milan before embarking on his singing and
stage career.
He became a symbol of youth culture at the end of the 80s
and the start of the 90s, but over time has been able to break
the mould, challenge prejudices and emerge as one of Italy's
favourite singers.
He has given a voice to the collective conscience, and
campaigned at the social level, with his music at times heading
towards world and ethnic styles including hip hop and funk.
His lyrics have grown deeper and more attentive over time,
touching on subjects ranging from love to philosophy, politics
and religion.
"I believe only one big church exists in this world, which
passes from Che Guevara and reaches as far as Mother Teresa,
passing Malcom X through Gandhi and San Patrignano, reaching a
priest in the periphery who carries on in spite of the Vatican,"
are words from his 1993 "Penso Positivo" (I Think Positive) song
which became a slogan for a generation.
Today he remains an artist who refuses to stay still and
continues to enjoy success. He recently told fans on Facebook
that he is slowly working on writing new material.
During his 30-year career he has toured with some of
Italy's best-known singers including Pino Daniele and Eros
Ramazzotti, and has written songs for Laura Pausini and
Zucchero. Declaring himself a pacifist, he has worked with
groups such as Amnesty International and has campaigned to
cancel third world debts.
To celebrate his 50th birthday he plans to stream free
videos of his Lorenzo nei Palasport 2015/2016 tour.
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