"Ombra del Pueblo": Music as a Tool with Ridon Roger 🔊 WhatsMusic.de

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“Ombra del Pueblo”: Music as a Tool with Ridon Roger

written by Ridon Roger and WhatsMusic.de

“Ombra del Pueblo”: Music as a Tool for Introspection and Awareness with Ridon Roger

Giovanni Manai, better known by his stage name Ridon Roger, is a hip-hop, R&B, and soul artist from Sassari, born in 1993. His musical career began in 2009 under the pseudonym Manai Mc, contributing to the formation of groups like Brividi Sonori and Istinto Lirico. Over the years, he has developed an eclectic and versatile style, blending various musical genres to create an original sound that spans from rap to R&B to soul.

Ridon Roger is known for his profound lyrics that explore social, psychological, and philosophical themes, with a particular focus on the analysis of the human psyche. His songs tackle inner conflicts, existential dilemmas, and social dynamics, often drawing inspiration from Jungian psychology and the concept of the shadow. In Jung’s theory, the shadow represents the repressed, hidden, or ignored aspects of the personality, and in Ridon Roger’s music, it becomes a central theme to reflect on the contradictions and tensions that exist within individuals and communities.

In 2020, Ridon Roger made his official debut with the single Amore, Rum e Cola, marking the start of his solo career. His track La mia natura, in collaboration with Dramio, gained significant success, solidifying his place in the Italian music scene.

In 2024, he released two EPs, L’era degli zombie: Le origini and L’era degli zombie: I sopravvissuti, along with various singles and unreleased tracks. Additionally, with the song Ombra del Pueblo, he co-founded the eponymous collective with producer Almighty_Mortem. The project explores, through rap and poetry, the concept of the collective shadow, inspired by Jung’s theories. In this context, the shadow is not just an individual’s hidden aspect but also the fears, conflicts, and unspoken truths that an entire community tends to ignore or repress. The collective’s goal is to shed light on these dark aspects, encouraging the audience to reflect on the complexity of human nature and the social dynamics that shape our lives.

With raw language and emotional honesty, Ridon Roger continues to evolve as an artist, carrying forward his message of awareness and introspection, challenging conventions and inviting listeners to confront the shadows that dwell both within themselves and in society.

Interview with Ridon Roger

Tell us about yourself, who are you and where do you come from?

I’m Giovanni Manai, better known by my stage name Ridon Roger. I’m an artist from Sassari, a city in Sardinia, Italy. I was born in 1993, and my musical journey began in 2009 under the pseudonym Manai Mc. Over the years, I’ve explored a wide range of genres, from hip-hop to R&B to soul, blending them together to create a sound that’s both unique and deeply connected to my roots. My lyrics often dive into psychological, philosophical, and social themes, reflecting my own experiences and the world around me. My music is a reflection of my journey, my search for meaning, and my constant evolution as an artist.

How was your passion for music born? Who are your idols?

My passion for music started when I was very young. I’ve always felt a strong connection to songs, as they allowed me to express my emotions and reflect on what was happening around me. As a kid, I discovered rap through Articolo 31 and Gemelli DiVersi, who were my first true idols. Over time, my inspiration grew and expanded to other artists like Ghemon, Mecna, Jack The Smoker, as well as 50 Cent and Eminem, whose technique and powerful lyrics I followed passionately. In soul and R&B, Alicia Keys and Marvin Gaye are among my main references, for their ability to convey strong emotions through music. Jazz has also had a great influence on me, particularly artists like Miles Davis and Chet Baker, who taught me to understand the depth of emotions expressed through sound. These artists, each with their own unique style, have left a lasting mark on my musical journey.

What kind of music do you do?

Lately, my music doesn’t follow a specific genre, but blends different currents and styles. The percussive element is what interests me most because it emphasizes and strengthens my lyrics, making the message even more impactful. In the past, however, the focus was mainly on the melodic part of my music, with the rhythm being more of an adaptation to what I wanted to express. Today, my approach has changed: I prefer the percussion to take the lead and support the lyrics, while the melody takes a secondary role, becoming more functional to the structure of the track. If I had to define my genre, I would say I do experimental rap, as I try to mix various sounds and influences, pushing the boundaries of traditional rap to create something unique and personal.

What is the most important song for you? What message do you want to convey to the listener?

The most important song for me is “Ombra del Pueblo,” which is not just a track, but the foundation of the collective I created with Almighty_Mortem. It represents a turning point in my musical journey, where I truly started exploring deeper themes and connecting with my inner self. The message I want to convey is the idea of embracing our shadows, both individually and collectively. We all carry parts of ourselves that we often hide or don’t understand, but it’s only by facing these aspects that we can grow and evolve. “Ombra del Pueblo” speaks to the importance of self-awareness and the collective consciousness, encouraging the listener to reflect on their own personal struggles and growth. It’s about finding strength in vulnerability and accepting that our shadows are a part of who we are.

Why should a listener who doesn’t know you listen to your music?

A listener who doesn’t know me should listen to my music because it’s authentic and real. I don’t just create songs for the sake of entertainment—each track is an exploration of my thoughts, emotions, and experiences. My music blends different genres and styles, which makes it fresh and unique. The lyrics often dive into deep, introspective themes, touching on psychological, philosophical, and social aspects that everyone can relate to on some level. Whether you’re seeking something thought-provoking or just a vibe that resonates with you, my music offers a genuine connection that goes beyond the surface. It’s for anyone looking for something more than just a catchy tune—it’s about real stories, real struggles, and real growth.

What are your future projects? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

In the near future, I have several exciting projects lined up. I’m working on new music, continuing to push the boundaries of experimental rap, and collaborating with other artists to explore different sounds and creative directions. I also plan to release more singles and potentially a full-length album that delves even deeper into the themes of self-awareness, growth, and the collective experience. Five years from now, I see myself having expanded my reach both within the music industry and beyond. I want to continue evolving as an artist, not just through music, but also by creating spaces for conversation around the themes I explore in my work. I hope to have built a loyal community of listeners who connect with my music on a deeper level, and to have established a more significant presence in the industry, collaborating with other like-minded artists. Ultimately, I see myself growing as an artist and as a person, using my platform to inspire others to explore their own shadows and embrace their true selves.

Tell our readers a funny episode that happened in your career as an artist.

One funny episode that comes to mind happened during a recording session for one of my early tracks. I was in the studio with a few friends, and I was feeling super focused and ready to nail the verses. When I finally laid down my first take, I was feeling confident, but when we listened back, I realized I had accidentally rapped a completely wrong verse! Instead of the serious, introspective lines I had written, I had somehow mixed in lyrics from a joke song I had written years ago just for fun. We all burst out laughing, and it turned into a great moment to take a step back and not take myself too seriously. It reminded me that sometimes it’s important to have fun with the process and not always worry about getting everything perfect. It ended up being a fun memory, and it taught me to embrace those little mistakes that make the creative journey more enjoyable.

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