The countryside of Pozzomaggiore is the place of the soul. That real life characterized by getting up early at dawn to look after sheep, pigs and horses. The 37-year-old Andrea Rosas, however, does not disdain virtual life, made up of social media and songs to share. It is there that this man's artistic streak takes shape and receives unexpected acclaim, as evidenced by the thousands of views achieved by the singer-shepherd's videos. Thus, talking about web stars is not far-fetched: the invitation to the Rai show "I soliti ignoti", delivered by Amadeus, confirms everything. Meanwhile, the evenings between the stages of the island can be seen on the horizon. We leave today from Tonara, for an Easter Monday between nougat and music.
His videos are all the rage on the web. Is Andrea Rosas a pastor or a singer?
«To begin with, I am a breeder, because every morning at 4 I go to the company to follow the livestock. At the same time, however, I am also a public employee, because at 7.30 I have to be at the veterinary office in Thiesi. Then in the afternoon I have to return to the farm for the evening milking."
When do you find time for music?
«I can't wait for the good weather to arrive. In a few months the evenings in the squares will begin and the sheep will give me some respite."
How and when was this artistic vein of yours born?
«I seriously cultivated the dream of being a singer at the age of 22, when I started auditioning for TV programs such as Amici and XFactor. Afterwards I joined an agency which gave me the opportunity to gain experience. Now, after 15 years, I can say that I have achieved a certain amount of experience."
What does the stage represent for singer-pastor Andrea Rosas?
«I love being on it, transmitting emotions and experiencing them at the same time. When I perform and have a full square in front of me I feel a bit “invincible”».
From the auditions where he sang in Italian and English, to the current songs, mostly in the Sardinian language. Is this the definitive path?
«It was an almost natural choice, I saw an outlet. My first songs were written by Nicola Cancedda and Maria Luisa Congiu."
How did you reach the social spotlight?
«Something unexpected. The videos I make with animals, where I maybe start singing in the company, are all about spontaneity. I think people like this aspect a lot. Even the songs I perform while milking a sheep are often not perfectly in tune. When I feel like singing, I turn on the phone, record and publish."
What role do social media play in your life?
«They allowed me to reach a large audience and get on television. I use them easily, from Facebook to Tiktok. From an artistic point of view they are very important, although I am aware of one thing: real life is another."
Where does the singer-shepherd want to go?
«I'm fine with my current life. Soon I will be in the square with the show “Andrea Rosas, Sonos de Sardigna”».
Gianfranco Locci