Jovanotti, one of Italy's most beloved musical treasures, kicks off a busy year of touring with his first-ever Australian live performances, in what is sure to be the start of a classic lifelong love affair.
More than a popular recording artist, Jovanotti is a significant cultural icon in his homeland who has continually redefined contemporary music over a prolific career spanning nearly 50 years.
Ahead of his Australian debut, Jovanotti – aka Lorenzo Cherubini – contemplates the rich historical ties our respective countries share.
More than 1.1 million people of Italian ancestry call Australia home, making it one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. "In Australia, we have a beautiful story as Italians," Lorenzo says.
"We have many Italians that are there from all generations, but also new people that want to be there to work because Australia seems like an opportunity for young people to find a job and to work.
"So, I'm curious. I know that most of the people I am going to meet will be the Italian or they are linked with the Italian culture in a way.
"I am happy also to bring the music that maybe some of them grew up with, maybe they know my songs and my vibe.
"I'm also very light about that and don't have expectations to become famous in Australia, that's not going to happen. I love to do music and I'm not doing exploitation, you know what I mean, of my career."
Jovanotti emerged in the '80s among Italy's first hip hop DJs and MCs, remixing the likes of Run DMC and Beastie Boys with a distinct Mediterranean flavour.
Since then, he has evolved to be revered as a visionary songwriter and composer with an undeniable influence on modern Italian music. "My music is rhythmic, most of it, so we have a lot of funk vibe," he says.
"Also, if you don't know the songs or lyrics you can get in contact with the music because the vibe is good. We have this vibe that has Latin influences, funk, and hip hop influences, and then I have pop influences, and the romantic part I think you will get into.
"Generally, I like to play in front of people who don't know me. This is always challenging and I like to get in touch with them, to find a way to communicate with them. The quality of the musicians is great, so musically it will be fantastic."
Lorenzo says he will be joined onstage by members of his band as well as local musicians he has recruited, presenting audiences with a jam session style performance.
Before he gets here, Lorenzo has opened his social media channels to requests and dedications for the shows from his Australian audiences.
"If I have some Italian or some Australian fans, I ask them through the social network to send me requests. If you have songs you want me to play, I will be glad to play them for you," he says.
"Also, if you have a dedication, like 'from me to my mother, my father', feel free. It's going to be small gigs. I am lucky guy and my numbers in Italy are huge. I just finished a tour and I've done 700,000 people.
"So, I am happy to experience another version of my live set, playing with a small gig and feeling like myself in a family party, this is something I like."
Jovanotti plays QPAC (Brisbane) on 5 March and WOMADelaide (Adelaide) on 6 March.
