Sergio Sylvestre

As you were born, in Los Angeles, to a Mexican mother and Haitian father, I’d like to know more about your childhood and how the culturally mixed environment you grew up in has influenced you.

When I think about my childhood, I almost see it as a 1990’s Hispanic telenovela/‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ kind of soap opera! I know it sounds absolutely crazy, but that’s how my childhood was…absolutely crazy! There was nothing normal about my family, but that’s what made it beautiful. The mix between two different worlds colliding together in one household influenced me at a young age, allowing me to have different ways of thinking and not just one mindset. For example, my mum would teach us her roots, culture, and her language, while my dad would help us understand what it means to be a black American. Most importantly, he taught us that love has no colour or race, as we’re all equal. They raised us this way, because they knew the obstacles we’d face every day and the strange looks we’d get, because people weren’t use to see a light-skinned Hispanic woman walking around with three children of colour.

With that said, have you always felt comfortable in your own skin? Would you say performing in front of all kinds of people has, to any extent, helped you overcome fears or insecurities?

No, I haven’t. At a very young age, I’d have to defend my own identity, because like I said before people in America weren’t used to biracial families. It was hard for them to comprehend that my kind of family existed, and I used to always get asked the same question: ‘What are you?’. I’d say traveling and meeting new people has helped me overcome the insecurities about myself. In fact, traveling has allowed me to understand there’s more out there than just colour or fear.

You were on a family holiday when you fell in love with Italy, decided to move over here and pursued a career as a singer. What do you miss the most about the U.S.? If it wasn't for that trip, do you think you still would’ve tried to become a singer?

What I miss the most about the U.S. is its diversity: there, you can meet different people of different races, cultures and religions every single day. As to the second part of your question, if I hadn’t made that trip to Italy, I don’t know if I would’ve become a singer. Life just put me in this situation, somehow. The one thing I learned from my parents is that we must go with the current and not against it.

From Amici to Sanremo, you’ve made yourself well known to the general public on television. What’re your thoughts on talent shows? Do you still think it’s the best way for an aspiring singer to get noticed?

I think there’s no right or wrong way of being exposed to the mass. I believe you should just give it a go. If you have a goal or dream, you should always try. It doesn’t matter if it’s a casting or talent show: as long as you put passion and love into what you’re doing, anything is possible. Luckily, I had people that believed in me. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today. So, my suggestion is to find people who love and support you no matter what. In this day and age, if you create quality content, you can be exposed to many different people.

Perhaps not everyone knows that you were a football player. What do you remember from that period? Are the emotions you feel when you walk on stage like the ones you used to experience on the football field?

When I was a football player, I was really confused, because it was something that I loved to do, but I wasn’t in love with it. So, it was always this battle of me trying to find what I love the most: I knew that I loved music, but unfortunately I was on a signed contract with football. The emotions I feel now are completely different from the ones I used to experience while playing football. When I walk on stage, I feel this incredible energy, made of love, fear and joy, that I can’t even explain. On the football field, I’d have somewhat of the same feelings, but it was more about rage and anguish, because the mentality of this game is to beat your opponent.

In 2016 you released ‘Big Boy’, topping the music charts. What’s the song, among this EP’s tracks, you’re most attached to?

For me ‘Big Boy’ represents who I am, so I’d say that’s the song I’m most attached to. Another song that I really feel attached to is ‘Ashes’, because it reminds me that, no matter what people think about you, if you believe in yourself anything is possible!

Then, the albums ‘Sergio Sylvestre’ and ‘Big Christmas’ came, witnessing your personal and professional growth. If you had to put three moments of your career on the podium, what would they be?

It’s really hard for me to answer this question. Anyhow, if I had to put three moments of my career on a podium, it would have to be in this order: first winning Amici, second participating in Sanremo, and lastly singing in front of the Pope.

On May 29th you released your latest single, ‘Story of My Life’. What’s the message behind this catchy song?

The message behind this catchy song is to eliminate the negative people and energy from our lives, and to focus on the good times and all the love that this world has to offer. To never forget your culture and where you come from, as well as the people that love and support you.

Keeping up with your most recent work commitments, in occasion of the 2020 Coppa Italia Final you sang Italy’s National Anthem at Rome's Stadio Olimpico, making history and being a symbol of union and integration. Was it hard for you to sing on that very stage, knowing the importance of that performance not only for your career but also for all the people you were representing? Who, or what, did you dedicate such a special performance to?

I felt very honoured when I was asked to sing at Coppa Italia Final. It was very emotional for me, because I wanted to give back all the love and support Italy has given me over the last couple of years. By the way, I go by a strict rule for myself: when I sing, it has to come from the heart. My heart was very heavy that day, because of all those empty seats in that stadium and the lives that’ve been lost in these last couple of months due to COVID-19. Also reflecting on the lives that’ve been lost because of the injustice that people of my skin colour go through day in and day out. It was a tremendous weight on my shoulders, but I felt that I had to stand for what I believe in. This performance was one of the very first where I no longer sang for myself, but for mankind. In fact, I dedicated it to love, peace and harmony. That being said, I know there’s no peace without justice, and I believe that we have to speak out and loud. By the way, there’s no right or wrong time to do it, as long as it comes from the heart. I represent the people that can no longer represent themselves, the people that feel like no one cares about them or the people that never had anyone supporting them. Ultimately, I represent love.

Let’s talk fashion. How would you define your style? Do you think your approach to fashion has changed since you started working in the music industry?

I’d describe my style as ‘mixed’: a little bit of American culture infused with a little bit of European style. My approach to fashion has definitely changed since I started working in the music industry, because now I pay more attention to detail (before I used to just put on whatever made me feel good).

Going off this, what’s the importance of image and personal style in your musical projects?

I believe that you need to always express yourself. So, in the day and age of social media, I think it’s important to show who you really are through your own personal style, giving the viewer a little insight into your inner being.

Let’s now talk about social networks. Do you feel a sense of responsibility towards your 550K Instagram followers? Over the last few weeks Instagram has been filled with messages of solidarity to the black community, do you think social networks are an effective tool in the fight against discrimination?

Yes, of course. I feel an immense responsibility, as I have such a large following. I believe my platform has to promote love, peace and harmony. Also, to speak out when there’s a reason to do so, and not when it’s only a trend. I believe social networks give opportunities that, maybe, traditional media and news outlets are too scared to show. I feel like social media should be used, in a positive way, to promote good vibes and, by doing so, to help important causes, like ‘Black Lives Matter’ is helping to fight against discrimination. We now have the tools to make tomorrow a better place.

Despite your great success, do you have any regrets? What piece of advice would you give to your 15-year-old self?

My only regret is not listening to myself sooner. What I mean is that I wish my younger self wasn’t afraid to do things and achieve goals. For example, I’ve always loved music, but I was afraid to fully express myself in my music, because I was too shy and scared of not being cool enough. The advice I’d give to my 15-year-old-self is…JUST DO IT! Don’t be afraid to be yourself, and just do it!

Continuing with this, do you have any advice for those who are bullied because of their skin colour, weight or sexual orientation?

My advice for anyone who’s bullied for XYZ reasons is to realise that you’re not alone. You’re strong and beautiful, don’t let anyone bring you down. Love yourself no matter what shape, colour, or sex you are. You’re special and made of gold, don’t let anyone change your true colour. The world will try to bring you down, but you have to hold on to your heart and keep on loving. You’ll find people that love you for who you are, just give it time. Treat others the way you want to be treated: if your bully or enemy says something horrible, tell them: ‘that’s okay, I love you’!

Make a wish!

I wish for love, peace and happiness for everyone. By the way, when I say everyone, I mean it (Smiles, E.D.).