Renowned Musician Discusses Mental Health and His Foundation’s Initiatives on “What a Time”
In a heartfelt and candid conversation on the October 29, 2023 episode of “What a Time” with host Fabio Fazio, Italian rapper Fedez shared his experiences with mental health challenges. During the episode, he called on the government to maintain funding for the psychologist bonus and announced his commitment to establishing a community center for young people dealing with mental health disorders through his foundation.
Fedez also delved into his personal battle with illness, emphasizing how a tumor diagnosis had reshaped his perspective on life, highlighting the value of time and the patience required for healing.
The conversation took an emotional turn when host Fabio Fazio displayed an image of Gianluca Vialli, prompting an emotional response from Fedez:
“I see him, and I want to cry; it’s surreal because I’ve never seen him in person.”
Fedez went on to share a poignant connection with Vialli, who had previously battled pancreatic cancer. He recounted a heartwarming experience when he discovered Vialli’s interview about his own cancer journey, and the two engaged in a lengthy phone conversation on the eve of Fedez’s hospitalization. Fedez expressed his gratitude for the comfort Vialli had offered, despite being a complete stranger. This profound act of compassion underscored Vialli’s exceptional character.
Shifting gears to the subject of the renowned Sanremo music festival, Fazio and Fedez extended their nominations for Fiorello as the host and Fedez as the artistic director for a post-Amadeus era.
Fedez, an iconic figure in the Italian music scene with an impressive 89 platinum records to his name, has also made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. This year, he took on the role of a judge on “X Factor.” Beyond his music and television career, Fedez has long been involved in civil rights and fundraising efforts. Through the Fedez Foundation, he supports various health-related associations and non-profit organizations.
Among his recent musical accomplishments is the hit “Disco Paradise” in collaboration with Annalisa and J-Ax, which enjoyed success over the summer. Fedez’s last album, “Inhuman,” was released in 2021, further cementing his influence in the world of Italian music and entertainment.