Ira sings with Claudio Baglioni for third time

Just weeks after touring with Max Gazze, Ira Losco notched up yet another milestone in her career last weekend when she performed alongside some of Italy’s best artists.

Networking with heavyweights in the industry adds extra pressure, but it also creates a domino effect

The Maltese singer, who is currently working on a new album, was performing on the final night of the 9th edition of the O’Scia Festival, an annual five-day event held annually on the island of Lampedusa to celebrate intercultural diversity and manifest the solidarity of the island, honouring those who welcome refugees.

This was the third time Losco has been invited to form part of the festival line-up, which this year, apart from having Pippo Baudo as its presenter, also included Zucchero, Alessandra Amoroso, Max Pezzali (of 883 fame), I Pooh, Patty Pravo, Enrico Ruggeri, Anna Tatangelo, Pino Daniele and Claudio Baglioni.

Speaking about Losco’s increasing international profile, her manager Howard Keith said: “Knowing when to do with that call and knowing when to lie low is key to one’s success, especially when you’re not dealing with a one-hit wonder. Networking with heavyweights in the industry adds extra pressure, but it also creates a domino effect, and I’m very grateful Ira has never been scared of such challenges.”

In 2009, Baglioni had taken the initiative to stage the concert locally. The performance, which also involved Riccardo Cocciante and Gianni Morandi, proved to be a regal celebration of music. The event was also Losco’s first appearance at the O’Scia concert, her performance prompting Baglioni to invite her to the seventh edition of the festival, which was going to be held later in Lampedusa.

It seems that lately, Losco has been making quite an impression with Italian audiences. She continues to receive regular invitations to perform at a variety of prominent shows in that country, and there is the very likely possibility of TV appearances there in the near future.

Commenting about her appearance at O’Scia, Losco said: “It has been a tremendous honour to be part of Claudio’s dream once again. It is a dream he has turned into reality for the past six years.

“Once again, I got to meet many Italian personalities I would’ve never thought were so humble. It feels amazing to be regarded as one of them. This experience is yet again one of the many more to come in future”.

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