Tonight, Sunday, September 8, “Simply Fiorella” will air in prime time on Rai 1 and Rai Radio 2. It is a musical celebration for the 70th birthday of Fiorella Mannoia, set in the incredible backdrop of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome. An extraordinary concert-event featuring many colleagues beloved by the Italian public. The daughter of a Sicilian father and a Marche mother, Fiorella Mannoia began working in cinema with her brothers, often as a stand-in for Monica Vitti. In the 1970s, she acted in some spaghetti westerns. In short, her career began with acting.
From acting to music
However, in 1968, she debuted at the Castrocaro Festival, marking the start of her career with the first contract signed with a record label. The rest of her career is more or less known to everyone. To be clear: almost 50 albums and compilations, 14 tours, 6 participations in the Sanremo Festival, concert master of the Festival della Taranta 2023, and numerous recognitions.
But there is also political and social commitment. Fiorella Mannoia has never hesitated to take a stand. With courage and determination, even facing potential consequences, she has always given voice to crucial issues that artists should never ignore: social, political, and human rights-related. A quality that has almost disappeared, a courage that is increasingly rare. Only when global tragedies occur where it is evident “who is to blame” (such as terrorist attacks) do many rush to show symbols of solidarity. But for the rest, silence prevails. No comment on the war between Russia and Ukraine, nor on the painful situation in Gaza. She, however, has always chosen to expose herself.
Simply Fiorella, tonight on TV: guests and setlist of Mannoia’s concert
Charity, signing Santoro’s appeal
She has done this especially with Emergency, having won the Capitoline Oscar for solidarity. Various charity concerts (Friends for Abruzzo, Italy Loves Emilia, One. None. Hundreds of Thousands). But she has also exposed herself politically: in favor of Antonio Ingroia, then of Raggi for the 5 Star Movement (before announcing her regret) but most importantly on the war. In Ukraine, publicly taking a pacifist stance. Mannoia signed – along with other well-known faces including Elio Germano and Jo Squillo – Michele Santoro’s peace appeal: “It is sought to impose the idea that there is no other way to end the war than the military victory of one of the two contenders and that Italy can do nothing but continue to send arms, limiting itself to calling for a diplomatic solution with undefined contours. We believe that Italy should manifest its solidarity with the Ukrainian people in every way while abandoning any participation in military operations. We want to return to being the greatest pacifist country in the world, a driving force for action for Peace and not a spare wheel in a war,” an excerpt from the text.
One of the few to speak out about the daily tragedy in Gaza
And then on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Initially siding with Ghali, then directly attacking Giorgia Meloni: “When you had to vote for a ceasefire, where were you?”. Still every day on social media, where she shows the horrifying images coming from the Gaza Strip. Last March, participating in a demonstration in Rome for the ceasefire in Gaza, she said: “I spoke as a citizen, not as a singer. I wanted to say what I thought because it is important. One day they will ask us, ‘where were you?’ Well, I was there, like many other people in the square with us.”
Undersecretary Morelli: “Daspo for artists who spread propaganda”. Fiorella Mannoia calls him a clown
All artists (when it suits them)
In short, being aware citizens might already be sufficient. It’s not always simple, as the truth often lies in a gray area and not everyone has the tools necessary to fully understand global events and happenings. And this is exactly where the artist comes in, the one who creates art. Art, after all, is intimately connected to emotions, turmoil, and the very essence of being human. A true artist should have the courage to express their vision, utilizing the immense power of art to convey messages of peace, solidarity, and a sense of community. This is the role of artists. However, not everyone can define themselves as such, even though many self-proclaim. Fiorella Mannoia, on the other hand, undoubtedly qualifies as one.