by Drago Bonacich
Italian Jovanotti (born Lorenzo Cherubini) got involved in music when Claudio Cecchetto gave him the opportunity to work as a DJ for a local radio station, hosting a New Year's Eve show in 1987. He made his first record at the age of 19, a single called "Gimme Five," which was later featured on his debut album, Jovanotti for President. In 1989, the young artist participated in San Remo's festival singing "La Mia Moto." Soon, he was debuting as a TV host on DJ TV and 1,2,3 Casino. In addition, he began writing a book called Yo, Brothers and Sisters. Lorenzo 1992 featured "Radio Baccano," which was recorded alongside popular local artist Gianna Nannini, followed by a tour with Luca Carboni. In 1998, Jovanotti played a role in the movie I Giardini dell'Eden, directed by Alessandro D'Alatri. That same year, he joined a tribute to Robert Wyatt and a project called Artisti Uniti Per Gli Zapatisti Del Chiapas. In 2000, the hip-hop singer/songwriter returned to San Remo with a song called "Cancella Il Debito."