Italian Studies to Host Rapper and Author for Talk on Immigration

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The department of Italian studies is hosting “Vivo per questo/This is What I Live For: A Conversation with Amir Issaa on Immigration, Hip Hop and Identity,” on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Herter Hall, room 231.

Amir Issaa is an Italian rapper and writer whose work focuses on questions of immigration, racism and the relationship between Italy and Africa. 

He is one of the most influential hip hop artists in Italy and is renowned for his work on the soundtrack for the award-winning film “Scialla!,” which won him a nomination for the David di Donatello prize in 2012. 

His most recent work, an autobiographical novel entitled “Vivo per questo,” translated to “This is what I live for,” is an account of his upbringing in the Torpignattara neighborhood in Rome as a son of an Egyptian father and Italian mother, reflecting on issues of racism, prejudice and stereotypes and the power of language.

Issaa has long been an activist and ambassador for immigrant rights, particularly with regards to citizenship for children of immigrants in Italy. His work speaks not only to current events in Italy, but also to global issues regarding race, migration and politics.

This event is free and open to the public.