Italian singer Raf returns to the stage of the Ariston Theatre after an eleven-year break. During the 76th edition of the Festival of Italian Song, he will present an autobiographical track titled 'Ora e per sempre', which he wrote together with his son. The artist, who has sold over 20 million records, dedicates this composition to his wife, Gabriella Labate, celebrating their thirtieth wedding anniversary.

Return after 11 years

Raf returns to Sanremo for the first time since his unfortunate start in 2015, when he lost his voice due to illness.

Personal family song

The song 'Ora e per sempre' was written together with his son and is a tribute to the singer's wife on the occasion of their wedding anniversary.

Performance with The Kolors

During the festival, the artist will present a special program with the band The Kolors, referencing the style of the 1980s.

The Italian music scene is preparing for the sentimental return of one of the most recognizable artists from the late 80s and early 90s. Raf, whose real name is Raffaele Riefoli, has announced his participation in the upcoming Sanremo Festival. The singer returns to the competition for the fifth time, ending an eleven-year absence since 2015. His previous appearance ended in failure due to severe bronchitis, which prevented him from being vocally fit and led to elimination before the final. His current return is meant to be an emotional reckoning and a new beginning for the artist, free from past pressures. The centerpiece of his comeback is the song 'Ora e per sempre', a classic autobiographical ballad. The lyrics describe a love story that began in the late 1980s, survived difficult historical moments, and ultimately carries a message of hope. Notably, the composition was created with the involvement of the artist's son and was inspired by the thirtieth wedding anniversary with Gabriella Labate. Raf admits that it was his wife who helped him emerge from a difficult period of experimenting with substances early in his career, when sudden fame and the nature of the music industry fostered self-destructive behavior. The artist emphasizes that today he feels more at peace with himself and less harsh in his self-assessment. The Italian music industry in the 1980s experienced a period of rapid growth in the Italo Disco genre, in which Raf played a key role as the writer of the international hit 'Self Control' from 1984. „Sanremo? After eleven years, I return with a ballad that is a blue sky of hope in a world that screams and grinds.” — RafDuring the evening dedicated to covers, Raf plans to pay tribute to 80s music by performing together with the popular group The Kolors. Despite nostalgia for the past, the vocalist maintains distance from contemporary television formats. In interviews, he described the Eurovision Song Contest as a 'fairground', in which he has no intention of participating. He focuses on an intimate message and pure music, distancing himself from flashy media spectacles. 20 million — records sold throughout the artist's career1988: 1, 1989: 1, 1991: 1, 2015: 1, 2026: 1

Mentioned People

  • Raf — Italian singer and songwriter, known for the hit 'Self Control'.
  • Gabriella Labate — The artist's wife, a dancer and actress, to whom the new song is dedicated.
  • The Kolors — Italian pop-rock band collaborating with Raf during the covers evening.