Protest in Italy Against Eurovision Song Contest Entry by Estonia's Rapper Tommy Cash

The song "Espresso Macchiato," which he wants to present at the ESC, is full of clichés about Italy, criticize the Italian ruling party Lega and the consumer protection association Codacons. The latter has filed a complaint with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organizer of the Eurovision Song Contest, against Cash's song.

Protest in Italy Against Estonia's Rapper Tommy Cash: ESC Entry "Insults an Entire Nation"

"Espresso Macchiato" is a song that insults Italians. The lyrics contain stereotypes about Italy and Italians, "which are associated with the usual clichés like coffee and spaghetti, but above all mafia and displays of luxury." The song conveys the message of a people entangled in organized crime, which is unacceptable, stated a letter from Codacons. "Just as songs by rappers with sexist and offensive lyrics towards women are rightly rejected, a song that insults an entire nation and risks conveying false messages should not be allowed to participate in Eurovision," the statement said.

The Vice President of the Italian Senate, Lega politician and former Minister of Agriculture Gian Marco Centinaio, also called on the ESC organizers to exclude Tommy Cash's song from the competition. "This Estonian singer qualified with a song in which he speaks in broken Italian about someone who became rich only by drinking coffee and 'sweating like a mafioso.' He should come to Italy and see how decent Italians work before he allows himself to write such silly songs full of stereotypes. If there is someone who has found a way to make easy money by insulting and exploiting others, it is him," concluded Centinaio. Tommy Cash is popular for his surreal style. The 33-year-old rapper, dancer, producer, and visual artist performs in English and is known for sexually explicit lyrical themes and provocative music videos.

Question Marks Behind Italy's ESC Entry

Italy was supposed to be represented at the ESC by the winner of the Sanremo Song Festival, the songwriter Olly. However, he has not yet decided whether he will participate in the song competition in Basel. If he declines, Italy will be represented by the runner-up at the Sanremo Festival, the Tuscan songwriter Lucio Corsi.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.