Anna Oxa, born Anna Hoxha on April 28, 1961, in Bari, Italy, is one of the most iconic and versatile singers in Italian music history. With a career spanning several decades, she has managed to remain relevant and influential, continually reinventing herself while maintaining a powerful presence in the Italian music scene. Her journey from a young girl in Bari to a celebrated international star is a story of talent, perseverance, and adaptability.
Early Life and Beginnings in Music
Anna Oxa’s story begins in the southern Italian city of Bari, where she was born to an Italian mother and an Albanian father. Her father was a refugee, and her family’s diverse cultural background influenced Oxa from an early age. Growing up in the San Pasquale neighborhood, Oxa was exposed to a mix of Italian and Albanian cultures, which would later play a significant role in her artistic expression.
From a young age, Oxa demonstrated a natural talent for music and performance. Her passion for singing led her to pursue a career in music, and at just 16 years old, she made her debut at the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival in 1978. Her performance of the song “Un’emozione da poco,” penned by Ivano Fossati, took the Italian music scene by storm. Oxa’s striking punk-inspired look, created by fashion icon Ivan Cattaneo, and her powerful voice left a lasting impression, earning her second place in the competition. This early success marked the beginning of a career that would see her become one of Italy’s most beloved and enduring musical talents.
Rise to Fame: The 1980s
The 1980s were a transformative decade for Anna Oxa, during which she solidified her place in the Italian music industry. Following her debut at Sanremo, Oxa released her first album, “Oxanna,” which included hits like “Fatelo con me” and showcased her ability to blend pop music with a distinct personal style.
Oxa’s collaboration with other renowned Italian musicians, including Rino Gaetano and Lucio Dalla, further enhanced her reputation as a versatile artist. In 1979, she released her self-titled album “Anna Oxa,” which featured the popular single “Il pagliaccio azzurro” and an Italian version of Patti Smith’s “Because the Night.” Her ability to reinterpret international hits with a unique Italian twist became one of her trademarks.
Oxa’s career continued to flourish throughout the 1980s. She returned to the Sanremo stage multiple times, each appearance solidifying her status as a formidable competitor. In 1984, she released the album “La mia corsa,” which included the hit single “Non scendo.” Her collaborations with artists like Roberto Vecchioni, with whom she co-wrote “Parlami,” further showcased her talent for blending different musical styles and genres.
The mid-1980s saw Oxa achieving some of her biggest commercial successes. Her 1986 Sanremo entry, “È tutto un attimo,” became one of her most enduring hits, celebrated for both its vocal intensity and its daring fashion choices. Oxa’s ability to captivate audiences with her voice and her bold sense of style made her a true icon of Italian pop culture.
Major Breakthrough: Sanremo Success and Beyond
Anna Oxa’s career reached new heights in 1989 when she won the Sanremo Music Festival, one of Italy’s most prestigious music competitions, with the song “Ti lascerò.” Performed as a duet with Fausto Leali, the song not only won the hearts of the Sanremo audience but also became a massive commercial hit, further cementing Oxa’s status as one of Italy’s premier vocalists.
This victory was a defining moment in Oxa’s career. The success of “Ti lascerò” was followed by her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, where she and Leali represented Italy with the duet “Avrei voluto.” Although they did not win, their performance was well-received, and Oxa’s international profile continued to grow.
The late 1980s and early 1990s were a period of intense activity for Oxa. She released several successful albums, including “Tutti i brividi del mondo,” which featured a collection of her greatest hits. This period also saw her branching out into television, where she co-hosted the popular variety show “Fantastico” alongside Enrico Montesano. Her television work further expanded her reach and introduced her to a new audience.
The 1990s: Reinvention and Continued Success
As the 1990s unfolded, Anna Oxa continued to evolve both musically and personally. In 1990, she returned to the Sanremo stage with the song “Donna con te,” originally written for Patty Pravo. The song was a commercial success and was featured on her live album “Oxa – Live con i New Trolls,” which also included performances of her greatest hits.
Oxa’s personal life also took center stage during this time. She became a mother, giving birth to her daughter Francesca, and later to a son, Quazim. Despite these personal milestones, Oxa remained committed to her career, releasing the album “Di questa vita” in 1992, which featured songs written by Fabrizio Berlincioni and Gianni Belleno.
In 1994, Oxa made history by returning to the Sanremo stage, not as a competitor but as a presenter. Alongside Pippo Baudo and Cannelle, she co-hosted the festival, further solidifying her status as a versatile entertainer. This period also saw her releasing the album “Anna non si lascia,” which included the single “Spot” that was featured in the Festivalbar competition.
Oxa’s ability to continually reinvent herself was evident once again in 1999 when she returned to Sanremo with the song “Senza pietà.” This powerful ballad won the competition, making Oxa a two-time Sanremo champion. The accompanying album, also titled “Senza pietà,” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Italian charts.
The 2000s: Exploring New Avenues
The 2000s were a decade of exploration and experimentation for Anna Oxa. In 2001, she released the album “L’eterno movimento,” which was presented at Sanremo with the song “La panchina.” This album marked a departure from her previous work, incorporating new sounds and styles that reflected Oxa’s ongoing artistic evolution.
Oxa’s television presence remained strong during this period. She appeared on Giorgio Panariello’s show “Torno sabato” and continued to be a regular fixture on Italian television. However, her personal life also experienced significant changes. She separated from her husband Behgjet Pacolli, whom she had married in 1999. Pacolli, who would later become the president of Kosovo, remained a significant figure in Oxa’s life, but their marriage ultimately ended in divorce.
In 2003, Oxa released the album “Ho un sogno,” which included the single “Cambierò,” a song she performed at Sanremo that year. Her work during this period earned her the Premio Lunezia for Best Female Author, further highlighting her talent not just as a performer, but as a songwriter as well.
Oxa’s musical journey took another turn in 2006 when she competed at Sanremo with the song “Processo a me stessa,” written by Pasquale Panella. The accompanying album, “La musica è niente se tu non hai vissuto,” featured covers of songs by Peter Gabriel and Bjork, showcasing Oxa’s ability to reinterpret the work of other artists while infusing it with her own unique style. The album was a commercial success, earning a gold certification for its sales.
The 2010s and Beyond: Legacy and Impact
As the 2010s began, Anna Oxa continued to perform and record new music, demonstrating her enduring appeal and relevance in the Italian music scene. In 2010, she embarked on the “Proxima tour,” which took her to theaters across Italy. This tour coincided with the release of the album “Proxima,” which featured a mix of new material and reimagined versions of some of her classic hits.
In 2011, Oxa once again returned to the Sanremo stage with the song “La mia anima d’uomo.” This performance was a reminder of her enduring talent and her ability to connect with audiences, even after decades in the industry. Oxa’s willingness to push the boundaries of her music and her image has made her a beloved figure in Italian pop culture.
In 2013, Oxa took on a new challenge by joining the cast of the popular Italian dance competition show “Ballando con le stelle” (the Italian version of “Dancing with the Stars”). Her participation in the show further demonstrated her versatility and her willingness to step outside of her comfort zone.
Throughout her career, Anna Oxa has remained a true icon of Italian music. Her ability to reinvent herself and adapt to changing musical trends has kept her at the forefront of the industry for decades. Whether through her powerful voice, her bold fashion choices, or her fearless approach to performance, Oxa has left an indelible mark on Italian culture.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Anna Oxa
Anna Oxa’s life and career are a testament to the power of reinvention and resilience. From her early days as a teenage sensation to her status as an enduring icon, Oxa has continually pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a pop star in Italy. Her willingness to take risks, both musically and personally, has allowed her to remain relevant and influential for more than four decades.
As she continues to perform and create, Anna Oxa’s legacy is secure. She has inspired generations of artists and remains a beloved figure in Italian music. Her journey from the streets of Bari to the international stage is a story of talent, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Anna Oxa is not just a singer; she is a cultural icon, a symbol of the enduring power of music to transcend time and place.
