J-Ax, the father of Italian hip hop, is the first artist chosen for Castelsardo's New Year's Eve celebrations - "We will reveal the second name very soon," the municipal administration anticipates.

Before returning to Sanremo for the festival, J-Ax will celebrate 2026 from the top of Doria Castle.

Rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, judge on the TV talent show "The Voice," and a pioneer of Italian hip hop with Articolo 31. The Milanese artist has been on the scene since 1990, and his longevity is due not only to the quality of his work but also to his ability to fully immerse himself in the world of music. He released eight albums with Articolo 31 (along with DJ Jad), with hits such as "Voglio una lurida," "Un'altra cosa che ho perso," "Tranky Funky," "Domani," "La ragazza," and "Domani smetto," to name a few. He has also released eight solo albums, including "Rap 'n Roll," "Il bello di essere brutti," and "Comunisti col Rolex." His collaboration with Neffa under the aegis of Due di Picche led to the album "C'eravamo tanto odiati." From guest appearances on singles by The Kolors, Ermal Meta, Tormento, and Chiara Galiazzo, to collaborations with Fabri Fibra, Pinguini Tattici Nucleari, Guè, Nina Zilli, and many others, on the 2024 album "Protoromanza," again as Articolo 31. In short, an artist who has shaped the last three decades of Italian music and confirms the high level of choices made by the Castelsardo administration for New Year's Eve (this year marks its 23rd edition). Under the direction of Event Sardinia, the initiative captures the spirit of the Sardinia Region's Tourism Department's call for proposals for large events with safety plans for over 10,000 spectators. "But not only that, we will very soon announce the second artist who will celebrate 2026 with us," Mayor Maria Lucia Tirotto and City Councilor for Tourism, Entertainment, and Major Events Giuseppe Ruzzu announced. A little help: it will be an artist who is popular among young and very young audiences.