66-year-old Franco Meta, iconic figure of neomelodic music in Palermo, passes away.

Last Updated: August 26, 2023

Palermo has lost one of the most beloved protagonists of the neomelodic music scene. Franco Meta, one of the genre’s foremost figures not only in the city but also in Italy, has passed away at the age of 66. His songs have accompanied generations of people and continue to be highly listened to today, such as “Pe na femmena” and “Na storia cu tte”. Despite being ill for some time, he had retired from the public scene but occasionally made appearances on TikTok and other social media, bringing joy to his still numerous fans. He started many years ago as one of the many emerging street singers who performed at weddings and parties, but everything changed after the release of his albums, first with Gs and then with Sea Music. He was closely associated with the genre’s legends like Nino D’Angelo and Gianni Celeste, and also managed a music store on Via Oreto, which served as a meeting point for neomelodic enthusiasts in the city and beyond. “My father was first and foremost a kind-hearted man,” says Pierfrancesco Meta, Franco’s son and an event organizer in the city. “He helped the poor, and anyone could come to his store to ask for assistance. He was a true reference point in the entire neighborhood. His concerts and performances are still remembered by everyone. With him, a piece of neomelodic music history goes away.”