Rapper that blends Latin rhythms and Neapolitan melody, Samurai Jay is competing for the first time in Sanremo 2026 with the song Obsession. After the baptism at the Ariston in 2021 with Gigi D’Alessio, the singer brings all his energy and creativity to the Festival, also with the help of Belen Rodriguez. In fact, she is the Argentine showgirl “guest of honor vocal” on Samurai Jay’s song and it will be on stage with him for all five evenings.
Samurai Jay at Sanremo 2026 with the song Obsession. The lyrics and meaning of the song
Written and composed by Samurai Jay, Luca Stocco and Vittorio Coppola, Obsession And a song that exaggerates the concept of motivation with which we carry forward our passions that we have. The central theme of the song is the relationship with musicexperienced by Samurai Jay as a positive obsession that is at the center of his life as a songwriter and musician.
Obsession is characterized by an experimental sound full of contaminations, that melts rap, electronic and urban soundsenriched by Latin influences. The icing on the cake is the short vocal featuring of Belen Rodriguez what will it be on the Ariston stage every evening together with the rapper, Cover evening included.
Who is Samurai Jay, Neapolitan rapper loved by Gigi D’Alessio
Stage name of Gennaro Amatore, Samurai is a Neapolitan singer-songwriter born in 1998. He established himself in the music scene with Promise IIIa song included on his 2018 debut EP. Bearer of a fresh and innovative sound, Samurai Jay has a broad and transversal musical background and is recognized as one of the most interesting pens of the new urban scene. The first successes arrived in 2019 with a series of singles – including At my house with Livio Cori – which led him to perform at the San Paolo Stadium during the Universiade.
Samurai Jay. (Photo by Luca Paparo)
Influenced by Linkin Park, Jay-Z’s rap and Neapolitan melodySamurai Jay over the years collaborates with leading names such as Elettra Lamborghini, MamboloscoLele Blade, Dat Boi Dee and Beba. The turning point in popularity comes in 2021 when Gigi D’Alessio brings it to the Ariston stage for the first time – together with Ivan Granatino, Enzo Dong and Lele Blade – to play the song GuagliunAnd.
The career, the meaning of the name and the catchphrase Halo
As for his stage name, Gennaro explained that he chose “Samurai” because it recalls the code of honor and discipline which he applies in his studio work, while “Jay” is an explicit homage to his all-time idol: the legend of American rap Jay-Z.
Author from innate ability to write verses that become instant “quotations”.he posted many hit songs in the last three years. Starting from My fault (Jealous) until his latest single Halocertified gold and with over 50 million streams on all platforms. The song conquered TikTok, reachingthird place in the Top 50 Italy and Spotify’s Viral Global. A catchphrase with Latin nuances that invites you to show yourself without filters.
The Cover evening together with Belen Rodriguez
Friday 27 February, during the evening dedicated to Covers, Samurai Jay will perform the song on the stage of the Ariston Theater Baila of Sugar. A classic by the Italian bluesman released in 2001 and immediately became popular a catchphrase.
On stage, the singer will be accompanied by Belén Rodríguez and by the composer, trumpeter, singer and record producer Roy Paci. Multifaceted artist who, in over forty years of career, has crossed different genres, cultures and worlds, building a unique path in the musical panorama not only in Italy but also internationally.
