[2025] Popular Italian Artists: A roundup of recommended singers and rappers

DifferenteNEK

Nek – Differente (Official Video)

Since his debut in 1986, NEK has won various awards and is notable for his clear, resonant voice and striking blue eyes.

He has released many Spanish-language versions of his songs, achieving hits across Europe.

This song, which says that love takes many forms, conveys sincerity within a calm melody and expresses the strength of love.

Ci Sono Molti Modiafterhours.

Afterhours – Ci Sono Molti Modi ( Live @ Mediolanum Forum, 10/04/2018)

Afterhours, who have secured a firm place in Italy’s alternative rock scene, formed in Milan in 1985.

Although they initially wrote lyrics in English, they switched to their native language with the 1995 album Germi, cementing their domestic following.

They debuted in 1987 with the single “My Bit Boy,” developing an experimental sound that distilled noise and post-punk.

Their landmark album Hai paura del buio? is hailed as a milestone of Italian alternative rock.

In 2009, they won the Critics’ Award at the Sanremo Music Festival, and a film theme song crafted by frontman Manuel Agnelli also received an award, underscoring their artistic acclaim.

Their profound poetic world and passionate performances come highly recommended for listeners seeking compelling rock or wishing to delve into the depths of Italian music.

I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVEMåneskin

Måneskin – I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE (Official Video)

Måneskin is a rock band from Rome, Italy, that has taken the world by storm.

Their music inherits the DNA of 1970s glam rock and hard rock while fusing it with a modern pop sensibility, resulting in a highly energetic style.

Formed in 2016, they gained prominence after finishing as runners-up on an Italian audition program in 2017.

Following their debut EP Chosen, their album Teatro d’ira: Vol.

I and singles like “Beggin’” and “Supermodel” became global hits.

Their victory at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest catapulted them to international stardom, and they have earned numerous accolades, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Rock.

They are a band we highly recommend to anyone who loves passionate rock sounds and seeks free self-expression.

Luca lo stessoLuca Carboni

Luca Carboni – Luca lo stesso (Videoclip)

Luca Carboni, who’s so well known in Italy that he’s even featured on NHK’s Italian conversation program.

His distinctive, murmuring singing style is curious—it isn’t particularly forceful, yet it lingers in your ears.

Does the lyric “I’m always Luca” tell the story of a man’s lingering attachment?

Lontano dagli occhiGianna Nannini

Gianna Nannini – Lontano dagli occhi (Videoclip)

Gianna Nannini, one of Italy’s leading rock singers, is popular not only in Italy but also in Germany.

Her low voice, performances that overpower even men, and androgynous style make her truly dashing.

She’s effortlessly cool, undaunted by age.

Yet many of her songs portray the poignant emotions of women.

Partigiano ReggianoZucchero

Zucchero – Partigiano Reggiano

Last year, Zucchero, the veteran Italian band that also drew attention for their collaboration with Tomoyasu Hotei, made waves again.

The title of this song originally refers to resistance activities during World War II, but it’s likely a play on Parmigiano Reggiano, the specialty of their home region, Emilia-Romagna.

It’s an upbeat, bluesy number that’s quintessentially them.

CanzoneLucio Dalla

Lucio Dalla – Canzone (Videoclip)

Lucio Dalla is indispensable when talking about Italian music.

Born in Bologna on March 4, 1943, he began his musical career in 1966.

He continued to sing as one of Italy’s leading vocalists until his passing in 2012.

His signature song, loved around the world, is Caruso.

Dedicated to the beloved Italian tenor Enrico Caruso, the piece is sorrowful, passionate, and beautiful—qualities that helped it transcend language barriers and win hearts globally, not only among Italians.

Such was Lucio Dalla, the artist who brought this song into the world.