October 7, 2022
Through rap, Amir tells his personal stories to the world. The concert is open to the whole campus. Invite your friends!
Born and raised in Rome, Amir Issaa is the son of an Egyptian immigrant father and an Italian mother.
Amir Issaa's interest in hip-hop culture began in the 1990s, when he started as a b-boy/breaker. He is among the founders of the legendary Rome Zoo, a group comprised of Rome’s rap artists. Amir’s first solo album, Uomo de Prestigio (2005), led to the release of several mix tapes, EPs, and full- length albums in the following years -- including his most recent album, Livin’ Proof (2019). In 2012, Amir collaborated with The Ceasars on the soundtrack for Francesco Bruni’s movie, Scialla!, and he also co-wrote the music for Francesco Barnabei’s docu-film, La Luna che vorrei, where he also appears as an actor. Amir published his first book in 2017, Vivo per questo (Chiarelettere), an autobiographical novel that was praised by Internationale as one of the best books for young adults in 2017. His most recent book is Educazione Rap (ADD, 2021).
As an activist, Amir has consistently campaigned for the law on citizenship for Italy’s sons of immigrants. In 2012, along with Change.org, Amir launched an online petition and a song, “Caro Presidente” (“Dear President”), where he invited the President of the Republic to consider the theme of Italy’s law on citizenship. Amir collaborates with several nonprofit associations, including Save the Children, Centro Astalli, the Community of Sant’Egidio, and UNAR -- Italy’s national union for anti-discrimination and anti-racism that chose Amir as a spokesperson for one of its anti-racism campaigns. He is the founder and artistic director of Potere alle parole (Beats and rhymes against discriminations), a writing laboratory created in collaboration with UNAR and the nonprofit association Il Razzismo è una brutta storia.
Through rap, Amir tells his personal stories to the world. His song lyrics have been studied and are mentioned in textbooks. He has become increasingly engaged with academia and is frequently invited to perform and lead workshops outside of Italy. We’re pleased to welcome him to Dickinson College.
https://dickinson.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8460272
Further information
- Location:
- Time: 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm
- Cost: Free