Samurai Jay, the stage name of rapper Gennaro Amatore, born in 1998 in Naples, will make his debut at the 76th Festival of Italian Music in Sanremo. The artist, whose single 'Halo' was certified gold, will perform the Latin-rhythm track 'Ossessione' on the Ariston stage. In pre-festival interviews, he emphasizes that qualifying for the competition itself is a victory for him and that he represents music made with lightness.

The Work and Festival Debut

Samurai Jay will perform the track 'Ossessione', which he describes as a „healthy incentive to be better”. His debut at the 76th Sanremo Festival is seen by him as the main success.

The Artist and His Path

The artist's real name is Gennaro Amatore, born in 1998 in Naples. His career was launched by the single 'Halo', which achieved gold record status.

Style and Collaborations

The competition entry has a Latin reggaeton sound. The artist also announces a possible duet with Roy Paci and Belen during one of the festival evenings.

Samurai Jay, an Italian rapper and songwriter, is preparing for his debut at one of Italy's most important music events – the 76th Sanremo Festival. On the stage of the Ariston Theatre, he will present his competition entry 'Ossessione', which he himself characterizes as a song about a healthy pursuit of perfection and motivation. The artist, whose real name is Gennaro Amatore, was born in 1998 in Mugnano di Napoli. Before the festival, he emphasized in interviews that the very fact of qualifying for the competition is a huge achievement for him. „Arrivare all'Ariston è già una vittoria” (Getting to the Ariston is already a victory.) — Samurai Jay. His musical style, described as having a „Latin soul” and being the reggaeton quota of this year's edition, provides a distinct Latin accent in the program. Samurai Jay is known to a wider audience thanks to the single 'Halo', which was certified as a gold record and amassed over 70 million streams on streaming services. The Sanremo Festival, held continuously since 1951, is the longest-running and one of the most important music festivals in Italy, having a huge influence on Italian music culture and pop culture. In addition to his solo performance, articles mention anticipation for a potential duet with trumpeter Roy Paci and singer Belen. Samurai Jay also states in press conversations that he represents „music made with lightness” at the festival and jokingly adds that if he wins, he would take his family on a cruise.

Mentioned People

  • Samurai Jay (Gennaro Amatore) — Italian rapper and songwriter, debutant at the 76th Sanremo Festival with the track 'Ossessione'.
  • Carlo Conti — Italian television presenter and artistic director of the Sanremo Festival, who selected Samurai Jay to participate.
  • Roy Paci — Italian trumpeter and composer, with whom Samurai Jay may perform in a duet during the festival.
  • Belen — Italian singer and actress, mentioned as a potential participant in a duet with Samurai Jay.