Gigi D’Alessio, credited with single-handedly reviving romantic Neapolitan ballads for an international audience, is now under investigation for ties with another local export, the Camorra.
Prosecutors in Brescia are looking into the relationship between the pop singer, 34, and the local Mafia. D’Alessio’s home in Naples was searched as part of “Operation Vesuvius,” which led to 29 arrests for drug trafficking, usury, extortion and money laundering. Over 40 billion lire in goods were confiscated.
"They don’t understand how things work in Naples," D’Alessio told newspapers. "I played so many weddings when I started out that practically everyone within 100 kilometers of the city has a photo of me with the bride in my arms. I never asked what these people did for a living."
Investigators claim D’Alessio used these contacts to get his first record deal and was then "under obligation" to help recycle funds and false documents. It comes at a time when the crooner’s popularity as poster boy for sweet melodies seems boundless. His latest album "Il cammino dell’età" ("The Walk of Age,") sold over 300,000 copies in Italy and a worldwide tour, including 24 European cities and Australia, was slated for October.
D’Alessio, a grassroots phenomenon, was defended by thousands of fans. The guestbook on his official site was flooded with messages like this one: "I love your music so much and hope that none of the terrible things they say are true…Don’t let me down," wrote Paola from Milan.
Among the more critical messages was a piece of advice: "I’d like to remind you of the proverb "Who trawls these waters, catches this sort of fish" (Chi va per questi mari, questi pesci piglia). Now that you’ve become an acclaimed artist, try to stay away from questionable people. For yourself, but also for the reputation of your city."?1999-2004 zoomata.com

Zoomata is the brainchild of a bilingualjournalist based in Italy who thinks out of the box. This brain is for hire.