The Milano-born rapper will perform at the opening ceremony on Friday (6 February), bringing with him a message of inclusivity, unity and peace.
Italian rapper Ghali would feel right at home when he takes to the stage on Friday (6 February) at the San Siro Stadium to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Ghali, who started his career as part of a rap group before going solo, is one of the defining voices of contemporary Italian music and a cultural figure whose influence stretches beyong music.
Born Ghali Amdouni in Milano in 1993 to Tunisian parents, he grew up in the city’s Baggio district and emerged as a leading figure in Italian hip-hop in the mid-2010s. His breakthrough single “Ninna nanna” reached No. 1 in the Italian charts in 2016, and has more than 133 million views on YouTube.
His lyrics often explore themes of identity, belonging and coexistence, reflecting the experiences of young people growing up in multicultural societies.
This has made him a popular figure among young people, with 3 million subscribers on YouTube and 3.5 million on Instagram.
Ghali’s message of peace, inclusion and unity aligns closely with Olympic values. He has consistently used his platform to call for dialogue, empathy and respect, positioning music as a bridge rather than a barrier.
