Libero Reina
What initially sparked your passion for music, and how did you decide to pursue a career in the industry?
I started studying music at the age of eight, but it was at sixteen that I realized it would become my life. The turning point came when I discovered the world of rock through “American Idiot” by Green Day—it was love at first listen. My journey began in the small Sicilian mountain town of Santo Stefano Quisquina, playing the Flicorno Soprano in the local brass band. From there, I transitioned to the electric guitar, then classical and acoustic guitars. Over time, I explored traditional Sicilian instruments like the mandolin and mandola, later expanding to the Greek bouzouki, Turkish zurna, Persian santoor and setar, Ney Anban, and even the Hang drum. Along the way, I taught myself to sing, produce, and compose. Music became everything to me—it was my reason for living, my mission. Choosing music as a career felt natural. I began performing small gigs and sharing my creations, embracing every opportunity to grow. The hard work and dedication taught me the realities of living through music and the importance of evolving every day. Discovering Sicily’s historical connection with the Arab world was a revelation. It felt like uncovering roots I didn’t even know were mine. This connection gave me a sense of uniqueness—I stopped competing with others because I realized no one else could tell my story. What keeps me going is the endless desire to explore new sounds and rhythms, blending them with my dialect and heritage to create something fresh. I love every aspect of music—creating, performing, and witnessing how people resonate with it. I’ve never had serious doubts about my path. And whenever I faced challenges, music always won.
Tell us more about yourself & your music career.
My musical journey has been one of exploration and self-discovery. I started with a foundation in folk music, which taught me the fundamentals of storytelling and melody. However, everything changed when I delved into the Arab-Sicilian culture and began blending it with electronic music. This fusion allowed me to find my true artistic heart and voice. A pivotal moment in my career was realizing that I could perform concerts in my own style without relying on covers for local venues. In the past, playing covers was something I didn’t particularly enjoy, but it taught me valuable lessons about the industry and laid the groundwork for becoming a professional musician. Breaking free from that and focusing on my original music was liberating—it reaffirmed my passion for creating something unique.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with remarkable artists like Ezio Noto, an extraordinary Sicilian singer-songwriter who showed me the beauty of collective music-making, and Negar Mojaddad, a Persian actress and singer who broadened my musical horizons. These collaborations enriched my music and reinforced the idea that sharing our unique paths leads to the creation of beautiful things. Since 2020, I’ve been releasing music with Cafe De Anatolia, including tracks like “SUMERIA,” “Saharian,” “Medina,” “Habibi,” “Harab,” “BELLA CIAO,” and the EP “ROBBA BELLA.” These releases have allowed me to reach a global audience and connect with listeners who appreciate the fusion of electronic and Mediterranean sounds. Performing live is a vital part of my career. In the summers of 2023 and 2024, I performed over 30 concerts each year, sharing exclusively my original music. Highlights include performances at the “A Nome Loro” festival at the Archaeological Park of Selinunte and at the Kolymbethra Garden in Agrigento. One particularly memorable concert was at MONO in Catania, where the venue transformed into a bridge between cultures.
I was honored to receive the “Sicilia Eccellente” Award, which affirmed that I’m on the right path, even if it’s a less conventional one. This recognition has motivated me to continue exploring and pushing the boundaries of my music. Looking ahead, I remain committed to staying curious and growing as an artist. I strive to learn new things and continue celebrating music in my life. My goal is to keep evolving, embracing new influences while staying true to my roots, and sharing my journey with those who connect with my music.
Write a short paragraph about your RELEASE (your inspiration, process, genre, instruments used in it, and the story behind the creation).
“Yallah” was born during a hot July day in my studio in Sicily, inspired by the scirocco winds coming from the south—a direct reminder of my land’s Arabic heritage. I thought about the city of Marsala, originally named Marsa Allah (Port of God) by the Arabs, and this thought shaped the song.
What is your connection with Cafe De Anatolia? (write about your release with Cafe De Anatolia)
*My collaboration with Cafe De Anatolia began in 2020 when they released my single “SUMERIA.” This track was my first exploration into what would later become my definitive artistic and stylistic path—melding Sicilian dialect with diverse cultural influences. When I discovered they believed in my music and my unique blend of sounds and languages, I felt an immense sense of happiness and validation. Since then, I’ve had the privilege to release several tracks with them:
- “SUMERIA” (2020)
- “Saharian” (2023)
- “Medina” (2023)
- “Habibi” (2023)
- “Harab” (2024)
- “BELLA CIAO” (2024)
- “ROBBA BELLA” (EP – 2024)
Our styles resonate deeply. There’s a shared spark—a burning flame of creativity and passion—that unites our artistic visions. Working with Cafe De Anatolia has made me feel part of a larger artistic community, one bound by a shared love for music that transcends borders. What strikes me the most about Cafe De Anatolia is their professionalism and growth. Since 2020, they have expanded significantly, a testament to their hard work and dedication to music. Their support has empowered me to stay true to my vision without compromising with trends in the Italian music scene.
Through their platform and dedicated audience, I’ve been able to reach listeners who genuinely appreciate this style of music. Looking ahead, I aim to continue creating even more beautiful music and to keep composing with the confidence that I have a supportive family behind me.*
Can you share a memorable moment from your music career that made a significant impact on your artistic journey?
A memorable moment in my music career was undoubtedly during the summers of 2023 and 2024 when I performed over 30 concerts each year, presenting exclusively my original music. It was incredible to see how the audience responded so positively to something so personal and unique. This experience encouraged me to continue telling my musical story without compromise. Another significant moment was my collaboration with Negar Madjaddad, a Persian actress and singer. That experience opened new artistic perspectives for me, allowing me to blend sounds and cultures in ways I had never explored before. Receiving the Sicilia Eccellente Award was a milestone in my artistic journey. In that moment, I felt a strong confirmation that I was heading in the right direction, even if it seemed like a less conventional path. These moments taught me the importance of following my own vision without being overly influenced by trends. Staying true to myself and my message has been a vital lesson in maintaining the authenticity of my music.
Finally, I’ve learned that consistent work is fundamental. Life can change suddenly, and true success comes to those who are always prepared to seize every opportunity.
As an artist, how do you approach the creative process? Do you have any specific rituals or methods to get into the creative mindset?
My creative process is driven by curiosity and experimentation. I often start with a melody or rhythm that resonates with me emotionally. To get into the right mindset, I spend time in nature or listen to new music to clear my thoughts and spark inspiration. My studio, “la casetta,” is my sanctuary. It’s a space where everything is ready for me to dive into music whenever creativity strikes. Routine is key, but I also embrace flexibility. If I face a creative block, I switch between instruments or approaches—sometimes playing the same melody on a different instrument, like the Persian Setar or Hang drum, helps me see it in a new light. Discipline also plays a major role. Even on less inspired days, I dedicate time to work in my studio. The combination of structure and freedom allows me to consistently make progress while keeping my music fresh and reflective of my emotions and heritage.
What do you believe sets your music apart from others in the industry? What makes your sound unique?
What sets my music apart is my relentless curiosity and drive to explore new connections between Sicily and the Middle East. At its core, my sound blends the raw energy of rhythmic beats with the unique tones of traditional instruments, all anchored by solid sub-bass frequencies that resonate deeply with the soul. More than specific techniques, it’s about sensitivity and a healthy obsession with pushing boundaries. Music, for me, is a bridge between cultures—a way to unite people while celebrating their differences. I describe my style as electro_mediterranean, which merges modern electronic sounds with the rich, traditional sounds of the Mediterranean and the Near East. I often sing in Sicilian, a language that is both my mother tongue and the language of my dreams. It’s not widely known, but it’s the perfect medium to tell my story—a story that is uniquely mine yet resonates with others. One of the most memorable compliments I’ve received was, “You’re strange! I’ve never heard anything like this before.” That perfectly captures what I strive for: creating something fresh and unexpected. In Italy, this genre still faces challenges in gaining mainstream attention, but I’m optimistic. Artists like Acid Arab have proven there’s a global audience for this sound, and platforms like Cafe De Anatolia are uniting this worldwide niche under one beautiful sky.
How do you handle challenges or setbacks in your music career? Is there a particular experience that taught you valuable lessons?
I’ve faced many challenges throughout my career, especially when relying on others to bring my vision to life. Over time, I realized I needed to become self-sufficient, which led me to learn how to sing, mix, produce, and explore new instruments. This independence has allowed me to create and perform my music on my terms. When I do collaborate with others, it’s about enjoying the process and creating something meaningful together, rather than depending on them. There has never been a moment when I thought about quitting. For me, consistency is the key to overcoming setbacks. Even during tough times, taking small steps every day leads to progress. When challenges arise, preparation is my anchor. Knowing my instruments and music inside out helps me stay calm and adaptable, even when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s a live performance or a recording session, being prepared allows me to handle unexpected issues with confidence. I’ve also learned the importance of stepping back when problems feel overwhelming. Instead of making mountains out of molehills, I reflect on what needs to be done to fix the situation. Taking time for myself, leaning on the support of family and friends, and staying focused on long-term goals all help me navigate difficult periods. Most importantly, I’ve learned to never stop working. Opportunities may not always come when you expect, but they will come back around. The key is to stay ready, keep improving, and trust in the journey.
How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue creating music, especially during times when inspiration might be elusive?
Music is my life’s mission, and it constantly fuels my drive to create. Even during moments when inspiration feels elusive, I find motivation by connecting with the things that matter most: my heritage, my surroundings, and my innate curiosity. Walking through the mountains near my home or gazing at the sea stretching toward Africa often clears my mind and sparks new ideas. I also rely on routine and discipline. My dedicated creative space—my studio, which I call “la casetta”—keeps me grounded. It’s a cozy, inspiring environment where everything is set up for me to dive into music whenever the moment strikes. While routine is essential, so is knowing when to step back. When faced with a creative block, I give myself time to breathe, listen to new music, or explore different perspectives. Emotion plays a huge role in my creativity. Whether I’m channeling joy, melancholy, or excitement, music allows me to process and express those feelings. Sometimes, simply experimenting with melodies on different instruments helps me rediscover the spark. For instance, playing the same melody on a Persian Setar versus an acoustic guitar transforms it entirely, touching my heart in new and unexpected ways. Ultimately, what keeps me inspired is knowing that every small step adds up. Consistency is the secret—I’ve learned that opportunities always come back around, and when they do, I want to be ready. My vision for my music and the deep connections it creates with others remind me why I started, motivating me to keep going, no matter how challenging the journey may be.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
My advice for aspiring musicians is to embrace a genuine sense of perpetual dissatisfaction—not in a negative way, but as a powerful driving force. Recognize your value and talent, but always strive to improve. This mindset will keep you curious, motivated, and open to growth, which are essential traits for any artist.Patience and perseverance are crucial. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and the journey can be full of challenges. However, if you remain consistent and dedicate time to your craft every day, the results will come. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, and every small step forward matters. Stay true to your vision and resist the urge to chase trends just to fit in. Your uniqueness is your greatest asset. Music is deeply personal, and your story is one that only you can tell. Trust in that authenticity—it’s what will truly resonate with others. Learn from your mistakes and remain open to inspiration from those around you. Surround yourself with people who are more experienced or skilled, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Growth comes from challenging yourself and embracing new perspectives. Finally, make time for daily practices that keep you inspired and creative. Whether it’s exploring new sounds, reflecting on your goals, or simply immersing yourself in nature, find what fuels your passion and hold onto it. Music is a lifelong journey, and the more you invest in it, the more it will give back to you.
Title: Yallah
Release Date: October 29, 2024
EP: Robba Bella released via Cafe De Anatolia