Maria Antonietta and Colombre will compete in the Big category at the Sanremo Festival 2026. This dynamic duo is not just a casual partnership; they represent two pillars of the Italian songwriting scene over the past 15 years. Their artistic bond, which culminates at Italy’s most prestigious music festival, speaks volumes about their shared journey.
Meet the Artists: Maria Antonietta
Maria Antonietta, born Letizia Cesarini, is a prominent figure in the Italian indie music landscape. She debuted in 2012 with an album produced by Dario Brunori. Her musical identity solidified with the success of ‘Sassi’ (2014) and ‘Deluderti’ (2018), both co-produced by Colombre. Maria Antonietta is not just a singer but also a writer and a theatrical performer. She has an impressive history of live performances, including shows in Italy and abroad. Notable performances include participating in the Primo Maggio concert in Rome and opening for artists like Calcutta and Lana Del Rey. In 2020, she made her presence felt on the Ariston stage as a guest alongside Levante and Francesca Michielin. Her most recent album is ‘La Tigre Assenza’ (2023).
Meet the Artists: Colombre
Giovanni Imparato, known as Colombre, is a highly regarded singer-songwriter and producer from his generation. He debuted in 2017 with the album ‘Pulviscolo,’ earning a nomination for the Tenco Prize. His production work includes significant contributions to Maria Antonietta’s music and important albums like “Oceano Paradiso” by Chiello, which achieved Platinum status. Colombre has collaborated with notable artists such as Francesco De Gregori and Alan Sorrenti. His latest solo project, ‘Realismo magico in Adriatico’ (2023), has showcased his talent on international stages, including Eurosonic 2024.
Sanremo 2026 Project: ‘Luna di Miele’
The collaborative effort that will see Maria Antonietta and Colombre performing at Sanremo stems from their album ‘Luna di Miele,’ released in September. This album is unique, as it contains songs written and recorded entirely together. The inspiration for the album came from rediscovered drafts of songs created 15 years ago, coinciding with the beginnings of their relationship. The artists described this as a magical act of sentimental archaeology, stating, “These drafts waited for us, and we couldn’t betray them.”
Significance of Their Participation
Their participation in Sanremo 2026 is not a spontaneous debut. It represents the culmination of a shared journey spanning 15 years. Maria Antonietta and Colombre bring to the Ariston stage not only a new album but also a rich story of parallel careers and deep artistic complicity.
Exploring the Single: ‘La felicità e basta’
In an interview with ‘Tv Sorrisi e Canzoni,’ they described their single ‘La felicità e basta,’ which conveys a message about happiness being a universal right. The lyrics emphasize the idea that happiness should not be a reward but an inherent part of life. The song captures themes of self-acceptance and joy, promoting the importance of solidarity and shared experiences.
Key Themes in the Song
- Happiness as a right, not a prize.
- Emphasis on self-acceptance and community.
- Encouragement to embrace one’s identity and experiences.
Maria Antonietta and Colombre are set to captivate audiences at Sanremo 2026, presenting not just music but a narrative that resonates with many. Their journey exemplifies the artistry and emotional depth present in modern Italian songwriting.
