(headline image: Dario Muci – Photo by Daniele Met)
Dario Muci is a traditional folk singer and musician from Salento, Italy, who has dedicated his career to preserving and revitalizing the region’s oral and musical traditions. He began his journey into folk music at a young age, learning from the barber and musician Luigi Stifani. Alongside his performances, Muci has conducted extensive research into Salento’s oral culture.
Muci is a co-founder of the Nauna Cantieri Musicali label, established with Enza Pagliara, which focuses on documenting, preserving, and reinterpreting the popular traditions and oral culture of Salento. His work includes a documentary and a collection of songs about the barber musicians of Alessano; two audio CDs on vocal polyphony in Nardò; and a CD of ethnomusicological material from Otranto, all of which aim to revive neglected musical heritage.
In addition to his work in traditional music, Muci has participated in jazz, world music, and electronica projects, and has contributed to soundtracks for films, documentaries, and theater. He serves as the artistic director of the Nauna Festival and develops cultural projects that promote the traditions of Salento and Apulia.
Fifteen years after his first solo album, Muci released Talassa (2024), an album of original songs that explores the stories of marginalized characters, often foreigners, who are overlooked by society. His discography reflects his deep commitment to the traditional music of his region, with albums such as Suddissimo (2020), Marea (2018), Barberia e canti del Salento (2016), Rutulì (2013), Sulu (2011), and Mandatari (2007).
Discography:
Mandatari (Anima Mundi, 2007)
Sulu (Anima Mundi Kurumuny, 2011)
Rutulì (Nauna, 2013)
Barberia e canti del Salento (Anima Mundi, 2016)
Marea (Nauna, 2018)
Suddissimo (Nauna, 2020)
Talassa (Zero Nove Nove, 2024)
Author: Sonia Keller
