The finalists for the 17th edition of the “Premio Andrea Parodi,” dedicated to world music, have been revealed. They are: Sandra Bautista González (Spain), Andrea Bitai (Hungary/Udine, Italy), Cristina Cafiero (Naples, Italy), Chiara D’Auria (Tito – Potenza, Italy), Cico Messina (Mazara del Vallo – Trapani, Italy), Gabo Naas (Argentina/Germany), Alvise Nodale (Sutrio – Udine, Italy), Valdi (Colombia/Spain), and Carlo Vannini (Naples, Italy). These nine artists, representing diverse cultures and backgrounds from Italy and abroad, will compete from October 10-12 at the Teatro Massimo in Cagliari.
The award, organized by the Andrea Parodi Foundation under the artistic direction of Elena Ledda, honors the legacy of Andrea Parodi, a prominent Sardinian musician known for his work with Tazenda and in world music. Parodi passed away in 2006, but his contributions continue to be celebrated.
The finalists were selected from 317 entrants by an artistic committee, with nearly half of the applicants coming from outside Italy, reflecting the international significance of the award. The finalists will perform live in front of a jury comprising notable industry professionals, including singers, composers, musicians, festival organizers, managers, record executives, publicists, journalists, and music critics from both Italy and abroad.
The overall winner will receive a €2,500 grant and the opportunity to perform at several partner festivals in 2025, including the European Jazz Expo (Sardinia) and Folkest (Friuli), as well as at the next Andrea Parodi Award. The Critic’s Award winner will be granted the production of a professional music video, courtesy of the Andrea Parodi Foundation.
Some finalists may also be invited to perform at other partner festivals such as Mare e Miniere, Premio Bianca d’Aponte, Mo’l’estate Spirit Festival, and Festival del Torto.
The Andrea Parodi Award is made possible by the support of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia (Department of Public Education, Cultural Heritage, Information, Entertainment, and Sports, and Department of Tourism, Crafts, and Commerce), the Sardinia Foundation, and the municipalities of Cagliari (which provides funding and sponsorship) and Quartu Sant’Elena (hosting the preview event).
Event partners include Teatro Massimo of Cagliari, European Jazz Expo, Folkest, Premio Bianca d’Aponte, Premio Città di Loano for Italian Traditional Music, Mare e Miniere, Mo’l’estate Spirit Festival, Festival del Torto, World Music Academy, S’Ardmusic Cultural Association, Barùmini Foundation – Cultural System, Comune di Aggius – Etnosfera, Labimus (Interdisciplinary Laboratory on Music at the University of Cagliari, Department of Literature, Languages, and Cultural Heritage), SIAE (Italian Society of Authors and Publishers), NUOVOIMAIE, Authors Federation, U.N.A. (National Union of Authors), Siedas, Boxofficesardegna, and AF Motors.
For more information, visit: www.premioandreaparodi.it
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central