Some young inmates of the Bollate prison sang their unreleased songs in front of big names in Italian rap. Lazza, Nitro, Jack the Smoker and producer Damianito participated in the concert and closed it with some of their most successful songs. Two hours of music to promote rap as a creative form of expression and social redemption.
The unreleased songs listened to were written by prisoners during the year thanks to a musical workshop organized by Cooperativa Articolo 3 and the Rude Records label. In fact, inside the prison there is a recording studio designed by the two partners to allow anyone who wants to make music to work on their own songs and delve into the dynamics of the sector. «Playing inside the Bollate prison is an experience that leaves its mark on you», Lazza wrote on social media, «it was incredible to perform without even a phone filming».
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Nitro also commented on the event, which took place on May 8, with an Instagram story: «I think that more than a few rappers should play in contexts like this and reflect on what they write», and adds that «for me it was edifying and I hope I gave the kids a happy day.” The live show was the first step on a path that could develop and perhaps, one day, bring some of these guys to a professional level.
For years the Bollate prison has offered artistic-cultural activities to prisoners, with a restorative and therapeutic perspective. From the kitchen, we have the famous example of In jail – the first restaurant in Italy inside a prison facility and open to the public – to music with various workshops, lessons and events: inmates have the opportunity to learn to play instruments such as piano and percussion, organize concerts inside the prison and can participate in external festivals . This is also thanks to the help of various associations such as Milano Musica and the Antonio Carlo Monzino Foundation who created the Music in prison project.
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The concert on May 8th was born within these multiple activities, with the aim of creating a relationship of integration with the territory. «I thank Lazza, Jack The Smoker, Nitro, Damianito and all the partners for the splendid initiative they organized», comments Giorgio Leggieri, Director of the Bollate Prison, in a press release, «it was an important moment of sharing that allowed the inmates to experience two hours of music with carefree and enthusiasm”.
