Naples is sending a fresh voice to the Sanremo Music Festival this year. Gennaro Amatore, performing as Samurai Jay, is making his debut at the festival with a song called “Ossessione” (Obsession), and he’s approaching the experience with a surprisingly simple mantra: fun.
“We have so much fun when we write songs,” Samurai Jay explained in an interview at a Milan restaurant, surrounded by his musicians. “We’re there, we pick up the instruments, we start playing, we travel with our minds.” He was quick to clarify that “Ossessione” wasn’t initially conceived as a Sanremo contender, and that the spirit of playful creation hasn’t changed now that it is. “Essentially, we’re here to have fun, to bring fun to the Festival. We hope people feel involved. The most beautiful thing about this whole experience is the humanity that everyone is putting into it.”
The 27-year-old artist, who rose to prominence with the TikTok hit “Halo,” is pushing back against any notion of a calculated strategy. He seems genuinely surprised by the continued resonance of his work. “Unlike most of my songs, Here’s the only one that every time it starts, every time I listen to it or play it, it involves me as if it were the first time,” he said, reflecting on the unique emotional connection he has with “Ossessione.”
The first encounter with the Sanremo orchestra was a particularly joyful moment. “Seeing everyone involved. That was what I hoped for most of all: that every single person felt part of this journey.” He described the experience of hearing the arrangement come to life after months of working “in my room” as “a big embrace,” a feeling he’s still processing.
Samurai Jay acknowledges a duality within himself, a tension between the artist persona and the man behind it. “Gennaro and Samurai Jay are both two guys full of dreams,” he stated. “Samurai Jay looked a little further ahead. Gennaro was just saying: ‘one day I would like to.’ And then: ‘Samurai put a period at the end of that sentence, but it’s inevitable that at some point Genny will come out. Genny prevails over Samurai. That’s just how I am, and I don’t think it will ever change.’”
The origin of the name “Samurai Jay” itself is rooted in youthful playfulness. It was bestowed upon him by a friend during his school days. “I was wearing a ponytail, baggy shirts. Everyone started calling me Samurai. I got used to it. I never changed it, I became attached to it.”
Before embarking on his solo career, Amatore honed his skills as a guitarist in various bands. His musical foundation is surprisingly diverse, drawing from punk, metal, and “extreme music.” He now views this background as crucial to his current sound. “That world is full of interesting melodies. If you take those melodies and put them on more pop, more Latin, warmer sounds, something very interesting comes out.” He playfully acknowledged comparisons to Bad Bunny, responding with a smile, “Obviously.”
While “Ossessione” wasn’t written specifically for Sanremo, the opportunity represents a significant step forward for the young artist. The festival, a cornerstone of Italian popular culture, provides a massive platform and a notoriously discerning audience. Samurai Jay’s emphasis on enjoyment, both in the creation and performance of his music, suggests a refreshing approach to the high-stakes competition. He’s not just aiming for a win; he’s aiming to share a feeling.
The success of “Halo” demonstrated his ability to connect with a broad audience, particularly through the viral power of TikTok. “Ossessione” will be closely watched to see if it can replicate that momentum on a larger, more traditional stage. The song’s unique blend of influences, coupled with Samurai Jay’s genuine enthusiasm, positions him as an artist to watch in the evolving landscape of Italian music.
The Sanremo 2026 competition is shaping up to be a diverse field, and Samurai Jay’s presence adds another layer of intrigue. His story – a young artist from Naples prioritizing fun and authenticity – resonates in a music industry often criticized for its manufactured image and calculated strategies. Whether “Ossessione” captures the hearts of the Sanremo audience remains to be seen, but Samurai Jay is determined to enjoy the ride, and to bring that joy to everyone watching.
