«I am very happy to be here, in Calabria I always receive so much kindness. There is something ancient here, we are in the heart of the Mediterranean, which was the center of the world and has this characteristic of gathering like a sun the rays that point to the center of this sun which is Calabria. How much wonder this part of the planet has generated from so many points of view.” Jovanotti said this while meeting the students of the Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro. The meeting took place in coincidence with the inspection that Jovanotti carried out in the area of the Calabrian capital which will host the «Jova Summer Party» on August 22nd.
The Jova Summer Party and the potential of the territory
«I chose Calabria because – continued Jovanotti – they invited me and this is always a pleasure… The place is comfortable but at the same time large and evocative, symbolically located in the heart of Calabria, between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s a new choice, almost an adventure, there is also the idea of transforming this area into a space capable of hosting other musical and cultural events in the future. This area recalls something ancient, almost ritual, linked to the tradition of Magna Graecia. And then for me contributing to the development of a territory through what I know how to do is important. A piece of country like Calabria has enormous potential for happiness to give to those who come here.”
Music as an inner journey and passion
In his interaction with the students, Jovanotti then spoke about his relationship with music: «For me, music comes from the desire to travel, my way of moving internally before even physically. I didn’t have a natural talent, but I felt that I had a natural ability to stay within music, which I transformed into work. Music has become my life. I love what I do, this is not linked to success, what counts is passion: through what I do I know myself better and I connect with a deep part of me.”
Reflections on difficult times: refuge in harmony
And again, Jovanotti added: «We live in absurd and complicated times, marked every day by tragedies. We are governed by irresponsible people: bombing a school killing children is inconceivable to me, it is inconceivable to kill out of lust for power. Faced with all this I cannot find rational explanations: I only feel dismay and bewilderment. Luckily I have a refuge, music, which allows me to imagine a better world, where everything is in harmony.”
The message to students: the importance of ideas and authenticity
Finally, some “messages” from Jovanotti for students: “We live in an era in which the means are accessible to everyone, the real difference is made by ideas, spirit and above all your personal point of view. A piece of advice: feel things and believe that your individual choices can really make a difference, because they can. You will always find someone who discourages you or minimizes what you do, but try to notice it and carry on anyway. Life is yours, not that of others: and if you manage to achieve something authentic, you are not doing it just for yourself, but you are also making the greatest possible contribution to the world, which is being happy, fulfilled and fully yourself.”