VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Italian music legend Zucchero lit up the Għaxaq Music Festival on Thursday night with a performance bursting with energy, soul, and showmanship. Playing to a jam-packed crowd, the 69-year-old Grammy-nominated artist delivered hit after hit in a set that had fans singing, clapping, and dancing from start to finish.
Cheers erupted the moment Zucchero stepped onto the stage, trademark hat in place, leading his top-tier band with effortless charisma. From the upbeat Vedo Nero — complete with a crowd-thrilling drum solo — to the romantic sway of Il Volo, the singer masterfully moved through a repertoire that spanned decades.
A standout moment came during Facile, featuring a powerhouse duet with his backing singer, whose voice soared alongside Zucchero’s in perfect harmony. Audience members were treated to hazy stage lights in rich shades of purple and red, swept along by a welcome breeze on the warm summer night.
The crowd erupted for the hilariously titled Solo una sana e consapevole libidine…, eagerly singing along as Zucchero leaned into the front row with microphone in hand. The infectious Baila (Sexy Thing)had everyone on their feet, and Dune Mosse paid tribute to Miles Davis with a soulful trumpet solo.
One of the evening’s most moving moments was Miserere, a virtual duet with the late Luciano Pavarotti, whose voice and image filled the screen in a stirring tribute. Later, while Zucchero briefly stepped off stage, his band shone with covers like Nutbush City Limits and Honky Tonk Train Blues.
Returning with a roar from the crowd, Zucchero closed with fan-favorite Diavolo In Me, before delivering an emotional encore of Senza Una Donna, ending the night in a blaze of fireworks and the heartfelt words: “Viva Malta!”.
Zucchero will return to Italy this September with seven special concerts at the Arena di Verona to celebrate his 70th birthday. The celebrations will continue in October as he takes his tour to the United States for six highly anticipated performances.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
