Page 12 - Adelante Magazine April 2021

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C COVER Interview/photos: Styling: Francesca Carini | Make-up: Francesca Fortinguerra | Art Direction: Osvaldo Supino, JayP
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DISCOVERING ITALIAN SEXYNESSE:
OSVALDO SUPINO

THE STORY, THE MUSIC AND THE LIFE OF ONE OF THE MOST LOVED AND AWARDED ITALIAN INDEPENDENT
ARTISTS IN THE WORLD AND FACE OF THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY.
He is one of the most loved and awarded schoolmates offended me while I was on that I could do it. So, I got on the plane and
independent Italian artists in the world, holding stage. As an answer, I had my dream to tackled everything really alone. The truth is that
the record for 3 nominations at the BT Digital pursue, I could not waste time with them. Music that act of courage changed my life. I found so
Music Awards in England, as well as 1 Unicef has never made me feel lonely". much strength in myself that I didn't know and
Award, 2 LAIFFA Awards in Los Angeles, 1 so much support not only from people but also
Renaissance Award. He was the first Italian to You are spokesperson for various organi- from the Latin media, that I convinced myself
perform on stage at World Pride in London, sations around the world in the fight from that moment on to also make all my music
Miami Beach Pride, and was chosen by Global against bullying. Is this the reason for your in Spanish. It's one of the choices I'm most
Pride to represent Italy among stars such as great commitment to social work? proud of".
Elton John, Kesha and Adam Lambert. "The truth is that I know very well what it feels
Osvaldo Supino is a real phenomenon, like to live under constant judgement, and I How come?
overbearingly Italian in his charismatic and also know well the sense of alienation. It's my "Because I discovered my Latin soul. I've
tremendously sexy personality, and interna- story, I've been there and I want to do every- always listened to music in Spanish, Alejandro
tional in his (award-winning and inspiring) thing in my power to change or at least improve Sanz has always been my idol, so it's
discography, singing in four languages and some situations. At the same time I strongly something that's always been inside me. To be
performing on three continents out of seven. believe that today we should all fight for certain able to realise this dream of singing in Spanish,
His sound, worked out together with some of causes. We all, more or less, have the oppor- and to find so much admiration even on my
the most important pop producers such as tunity to speak out through our social media, so social networks from people who live so far
Tempo Stokes (who has already worked for it's our responsibility. away from Italy is wonderful, exciting and gives
Jennifer Lopez and Nelly Furtado), and Scott me an incredible drive. One of my biggest
Robinson (Demi Lovato, Christina Aguilera), You have also always been very open about dreams is to finally visit Mexico and some Latin
combined with his Italian essence, certainly your sexuality. In your first interview in the American countries that I haven't seen with my
makes him unique and recognisable on the US for the programme 'Primer Impacto' on own eyes yet, but that I've only known through
world music scene. A true and visceral passion Univision, you immediately made it clear interviews I've done from a distance. When this
for music, combined with the great numbers of that you are gay. This is certainly a sign of whole covid thing is over, that will be the first
his inspiring career, but who has by no means great personality and courage. thing I do".
lost his sense for modesty, qualities that only "The truth is that I've always shown myself for
characterise great artists. who I am, for my strengths and weaknesses... You are one of only four Italian artists,
I don't know if it's a matter of courage, but I together with Laura Pausini, Eros Ramaz-
How did your journey into music begin? wouldn't find the sense to live and do things in zotti and Il Volo, to have been interviewed
"I think with my parents who met at a disco and silence. Music is everything to me, the songs I by CNN en Espanol. A great recognition for
took me there from a very young age. I grew write and sing are my greatest freedom, a you. How did you live that moment and how
up with a lot of music and this desire to sing. I complete reflection of my life, and it's right that do you live your success?
can't tell you the day I chose it, it all came I should be honest, both in what I sing and what "'With enormous gratitude and a sense of duty.
naturally. I followed this love, first it was a I say in interviews. And then today there are still I am a disciplined person, who puts a lot of
hobby and then it turned into a passion that a lot of people who suffer because they are not effort into everything I do, with care and
influenced all my choices. The first one, for accepted, it is right that those who do a job like dedication. Considering that there are millions
example, was to leave my country and move to mine and are exposed should openly take their of people who are certainly much better than
Milan where I started working with the first side". me, I always want to feel that I deserve what I
producers. But the reality is that music saved get and never leave room for doubt, at least
my life". Of all the experiences you've had, is there with myself. That interview was a really
anything that has stayed particularly in your important sign for me of consideration and
Can you be more specific? heart, a turning point? openness. I don't have Laura's or Eros's career
"I come from a very small town in the south of "Probably my first time in Miami. I had been years, all the more reason for me it was really...
Italy, where if you have a different objective invited to sing at Miami Beach Pride and I was wow."
than a regular job, if you dress more very unsure if I should accept... I didn't feel up
fashionably, if you have a graceful voice, you to it, and that's why I realised that unlike other Speaking of Covid, how are you experi-
are often called ʻmariconʼ (ʻfaggotʼ). Today they trips it was time for me to do that experience encing this situation in Italy?
embrace me, compliment and encourage me, completely on my own, without a manager, my "It's a very difficult time for my country, not only
but I can't tell you how many times my own dancers or my crew. I had to prove to myself logistically and economically, but especially

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