Singing the news: the story of Italy's last cantastorie' still performing in his 90s

"For six decades, Trincale walked the streets of Milan singing about key moments in history, from 1970s terrorism to Berlusconi's election and the Iraq war. He has released more than 30 albums, and performed everywhere from the USSR to the US. He also played a key role in Italy's labour rights movement, providing a soundtrack to workers' protests."

"Decades ago, when many Italians were illiterate, the arrival of a cantastorie in a town was a big event. With the rise of TV, their role evolved into wandering musicians who entertained audiences recounting news in a dramatic or ironic manner, accompanied by a guitar or accordion and large illustrated posters."

Franco Trincale represents the final generation of cantastorie, traditional Italian wandering musicians who recounted news through song. Beginning as a barber boy singing Sicilian songs, he evolved into a professional performer who documented major historical events across six decades in Milan, from 1970s terrorism to contemporary politics and wars. He released over 30 albums and performed internationally across the USSR and US. Beyond entertainment, Trincale played a significant role in Italy's labor rights movement, providing musical accompaniment to workers' protests. Now 90 years old and living in a nursing home, he continues performing for residents, keeping this nearly extinct cultural tradition alive despite physical limitations.

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