It could become the second national anthem.

His ambition is for it to become the national anthem, the second, after Mameli’s. But how wonderful it would be, Mogol considers, if a song dedicated to Italian cuisine, sung by Al Bano and the choirs of Antoniano and Caivano, two symbols of Italian culture, could celebrate the nation. After all, when Mogol wrote the lyrics to “Vai Italia,” together with Oscar Prudente, to accompany the candidacy of Italian cuisine as a World Heritage Site, he envisioned a solemn song. UNESCO’s pronouncement on the proposal put forward by the Italian government is just a few months away: the decision will be made on December 10th in New Delhi, India, and, if approved, Italian cuisine will be the first in the world to receive this recognition. Presented in recent weeks at the Ministry of Culture, which, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, is promoting the initiative, “Vai Italia” features the powerful voice of Al Bano.

“I wrote a lyric that praises Italy, its natural and cultural beauties, from Sicily to Sardinia and the other regions,” explains Mogol, aka Giulio Rapetti, a renowned songwriter and producer. Currently in Cagliari, the eighty-nine-year-old poet of song has written over 1,500 song lyrics for many of the biggest names in Italian music: including, in addition to Battisti, with whom he had a long-standing partnership, Mina, Cocciante, Morandi, and Dalla.

In your opinion, is there a chance that Italian cuisine will be recognized by UNESCO?
“It’s hard to say; there’s no certainty about the future. I hope so, because it would be an important recognition for our country, also from an economic standpoint; it would bring significant benefits.”

The choice of the Antoniano choirs and Al Bano’s voice have a strong symbolic value.

“I’d say so. I hope the song spreads, because it could become a sort of second national anthem. For that to happen, it needs to be heard often: the more you hear it, the more it sticks in your memory.”

Can music strengthen a sense of national belonging?
“Yes, absolutely. Music and words together can become a powerful vehicle for identity. ‘Vai Italia’ can extol and enhance the love for our country.”

What’s your favorite Italian dish?
«Macaroni alla Norma».

And what about Sardinian cuisine?
«The bottarga is extraordinary».

What emotions do you associate with food?
Conviviality. Eating together is a moment of joy and sharing. Food, like music, improves health and brings well-being.

He also wrote a text dedicated to Sardinia.
“It’s called ‘Sardinia Sardinia,'” it was released in 2014, and it’s a welcoming hymn to Sardinia, performed by Pago and the Balentes. It sings of the beauty of an island I love dearly.”