Irama (born Filippo Maria Fanti on 20 December 1995), is an Italian singer and songwriter, who draws on a background in freestyle rap competitions for his stylized Italian pop. Born in Carrara, Italy and now based in Milan, he wrote his first song at age seven. Later in childhood, he discovered hip-hop and started taking part in freestyle competitions with friends. In 2016, his debut single, "Cosa resterà", competed in the Sanremo Music Festival, making it to the top 8 of the Newcomers' competition.