After conducting the Ariston Theater Orchestra for Shablo, Luca Faraone returns to Sanremo 2026, this time thanks to a new collaboration with Malika Ayane. The Assemini-born guitarist, composer, and producer, along with Edwyn Roberts, Stefano Marletta, and Merk & Kremont, penned "Animali notturni," the song the singer-songwriter will perform at her fifth Festival . "It was written a while ago," reveals the 34-year-old musician, "but when Malika heard it, she immediately fell in love with it and submitted it for Sanremo. Obviously, we refined it with her and created the final version. " Upbeat or slow? "Top secret information, for now."
Malika Ayane, in the presentation clip on RaiPlay, is more enthusiastic than ever: "This song is about choosing among a multitude, about going straight for what you want and holding on to it, defending it, enjoying it." She immediately knew it was perfect for Sanremo "because it could have been written and composed at any moment in contemporary history, even in the future: it sounds like a classic but it has a freshness." And then, "every time I sing it, I discover a different detail that enriches the listening experience." Eighteen years have passed since she made her debut at Sanremo Giovani with "Come foglie": "I grew up with the Festival: returning at a different age, in a different emotional moment, is a great gift that life is giving me."
Luca Faraone needs no introduction. After his first steps in recording studios in Sardinia, at 19 he shouldered his guitar and boarded a plane for London. "I didn't know anyone," he says, "but I had a dream: to play on huge stages. I started in small clubs, slowly built a network, and eventually reached Craig David." He stayed with the English king of R&B for three years, but has also worked with Rita Ora, Camila Cabello, Emeli Sandé, Tom Jones, and the unfortunate Liam Payne of One Direction . Last year at the Ariston Theatre, he conducted the orchestra for Shablo feat. Guè, Joshua, and Tormento, and wrote "Damme 'na mano" by Tony Effe and "Il ritmo delle cose" by Rkomi.
What happened between Sanremo 2025 and Sanremo 2026? "An incredible year." He produced albums by Shablo ("Manifesto") and Rkomi ("Decrescendo"), and others "coming out soon that I can't reveal." The icing on the cake was his musical direction of Marracash's stadium and arena tour: "One satisfaction after another. We hope to repeat that and, why not, double it."