The road to Basel for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is taking shape, and the microstate of San Marino has made an electrifying announcement. Representing the nation this year is none other than the internationally acclaimed DJ and producer, Gabry Ponte, set to perform his high-energy track titled ‘Tutta L’Italia’. Get ready for a pulsating dose of Italian rhythm and charm on the grand Eurovision stage!
Who is Gabry Ponte?
Gabry Ponte is a name synonymous with the global electronic and dance music scene. As a prolific DJ, producer, and vocalist, he rose to international fame as a member of the iconic Italian group Eiffel 65, known for their massive worldwide hit ‘Blue (Da Ba Dee)’. Beyond Eiffel 65, Ponte has built a highly successful solo career, consistently releasing chart-topping tracks and performing to huge crowds across the globe. His signature style is characterised by infectious beats, catchy melodies, and a vibrant energy that resonates strongly with dance music enthusiasts. Selecting an artist of Gabry Ponte’s stature signals a clear intent from San Marino to make a significant impact at Eurovision 2025, leveraging his widespread recognition and proven ability to deliver captivating, high-octane performances that get people moving.
‘Tutta L’Italia’: Exploring the Song’s Meaning
Translating directly to ‘All of Italy’, Gabry Ponte’s Eurovision entry ‘Tutta L’Italia’ is far more than just a simple party anthem. Based on the lyrics, the song offers a dynamic and somewhat tongue-in-cheek snapshot of Italian life and identity. The verses are rich with evocative imagery, contrasting familiar elements like enjoying ‘Spaghetti, wine, Our Father’ and the seemingly innocent ‘Mona Lisa laughs’ (quickly pointed out as being in Paris) with more nuanced or perhaps rebellious scenes like ‘forbidden kisses in the dark streets’.
The lyrics paint a picture of everyday paradoxes and shared experiences: the melancholy yet joyous nature of ‘sad eyes but happy’, the vast network of ‘friends of friends’, and commonplace activities like football, ironically noted as ‘The football gets kicked’. There are playful jabs at Italian culture, from fashion that ‘makes rags’ to ‘Starred kitchen of leftovers’, even including a controversial historical reference with ‘blessed holy Craxi’. The song touches upon aspirations and reality (‘so many coins, but the desires are of others’) and everyday Italian scenes like ‘gold necklaces on the tank tops’ and ‘The blue car with flashing lights’.
Despite these varied, sometimes cynical observations, the driving force of the song is the unifying chorus, “Tutta l’Italia.” This repeated phrase, coupled with the call to “Let us dance with a glass in our hands,” embodies a collective spirit of letting go, embracing the moment, and finding joy and connection despite life’s imperfections and contradictions. It captures a sense of shared identity, energy, and a readiness for spontaneous celebration that encompasses ‘All of Italy’. The line “Fa niente se non l’hai mai sentita” (“It doesn’t matter if you have never heard it”) perhaps speaks to the universality of these feelings or a confident invitation for everyone to join in the energy. The song is ultimately a lively, rhythmic celebration of the vibrant, complex, and deeply human essence of Italian life, ready to ignite the stage in Basel. Quite a different entry to Eurovision 2025 than Italy’s representative, Lucio Corsi.
San Marino’s Ambition at Eurovision
For a small nation like San Marino, participating in the Eurovision Song Contest represents a significant opportunity to gain international visibility. They have consistently shown a willingness to embrace diverse musical styles and collaborate with both national and international talent to make their mark. By selecting an artist with Gabry Ponte’s global appeal and a song like ‘Tutta L’Italia’ with its inherent energy and cultural references, San Marino is clearly aiming to deliver a memorable and impactful performance that resonates widely. Their entry for 2025 promises to be one of the most anticipated acts, hoping to unite audiences through the universal language of dance and the infectious spirit captured in Ponte’s track.
With Gabry Ponte at the helm and the infectious rhythm of ‘Tutta L’Italia’, San Marino is poised to bring a powerful surge of energy and Italian zest to the Eurovision 2025 stage in Basel, Switzerland. It’s an entry that promises to be unforgettable, inviting everyone to experience the joy and vibrancy of ‘All of Italy’.
Image source: video screenshot of the embedded video
