Prophet rose in the motherland. For the first time since his exploits at the Sanremo Festival, Manuel Franco Rocati – aka Rosa Chemical – returns to his homeland for a concert in Flowers on Saturday.
How long has it been missing?
Exactly one year. Last summer I still performed in Collegno, but on a smaller stage. I love playing where I grew up. My regret is that I can’t do it more often.”
Which concert will it be? His spring show included lap dances and graffiti. Will they still be there?
“The graffiti is over. They were part of a fundraiser for charity. I painted three works in my life and that was it. I’ll be accompanied by some performers, Camila the guitarist, Tekla the pianist, Shorines who will dance on the pole. It would be fun. Some moments we will sing, some moments we will be silent, some moments we will jump on each other. A lot of conflicting feelings.”
There’s a lot of confusion on the web: shall we trace your Turin origins?
«I was born in Voghera, in the province of Pavia, and grew up in Alpignano, where I lived near the station. I used to move a lot between Rivoli and Collegno. Then I moved to London, while my mother moved to Grugliasco. I joined him there and have been living in Milan for a few years.
Will we also explore the history of the police and graffiti in Turin?
“There has been too much talk about it. I was doing graffiti and like all less talented writers one day I was taken. Now I rarely do them, the music leaves little room for the rest.
are you still modeling?
“In 2019 for Gucci and with me it happens from time to time.”
Did you expect the viral effect of your kiss on Fedez’s mouth in Sanremo?
«It’s something like a graffiti story: locked up there and dead. All I can say is that I felt like doing it and I did it.
It has often been associated with Achille Lauro. Do you recognize yourself in comparison?
“There is definitely a visual similarity. We both have disruptive aesthetics, we convey a message of independence and we are also feminine in some way. However, musically we are different.
What are your musical ideals?
“Justin Bieber and Marilyn Manson. I enjoy saying that I didn’t come from rap. Maybe that’s why people find me interesting: they listen to someone who raps, but who has a pop and metal background. Also he is dressed like a lady. I like to mix a lot».
actually in the last single good boy ‘O Sarrasino di Carrosone’ was sampled.
“The idea came from my producer. I replied “Let’s do it, but let’s give it a more fluid, contemporary meaning”. Old Saracino landed in Naples and the women took a liking to him for his masculinity. My Saracino isn’t obsessed with this toxic masculinity: He likes her just the way she is, even if she’s decided to wear heels. And both men and women love it.”
Who likes Rosa Chemical?
“Before Sanremo, I mainly reached young people between the ages of 18 and 24. Now children as well as elders. Many more women. So far they are about 60% of my audience.
Do you feel revolutionary with your provocations?
“I shouldn’t be. I invite free love, which should now be natural. Yet whatever I do or say is criticized the next day. So obviously there is still a need to do that.