“Figli di Annibale” is the first EP by Almamegretta, an alternative rock folk band from Naples. It was released in 1992, becoming an immediate success in Italy among young people. In fact, after starting out in the underground circuit, it arrived to mainstream channels in the following years, when so-called “alternative music” flourished in the country. Along with electronic rhythms and exotic ethnic sounds, the lyrics by singer Raiz express the idea (suggested in the title) that southern Italy descends from Africa, specifically from Hannibal’s army.
"Released in 1992, it became an immediate success in Italy among young people."
The song mentions the “great black general” of Carthago, who took off from Africa in 216 BC, with an army of “novantamila uomini africani” (90 thousand Africans) and “un mare di elefanti” (a sea of elephants). The phrase “un mare di” is usually used to refer to something large or numerous. Eventually, Hannibal crossed mountains, defeated his enemies, and arrived to the heart of the Roman Empire. Here he remained, as king, especially of southern Italy, until 203 BC, when he finally abandoned the peninsular territories. The lyrics read, “Restò in italia da padrone per quindici o vent'anni.” The phrase “da padrone” is used to mean that someone has taken the liberty to do whatever he or she wants in someone else’s place, as if he or she were a “patron.” This challenge of the African conqueror is today considered one of the most important tactical endeavors in history.
Thus, the song subtly links the story of Africa to that of Italy, especially the southern territories: “Ecco perché molti italiani hanno la pelle scura / ecco perché molti italiani hanno i capelli scuri / un po' del sangue di Annibale è rimasto a tutti quanti nelle vene” (For this reason many Italians have dark skin / for this reason many Italians have dark hairs / something of Hannibal's blood remained in everyone's veins). According to the song’s theory, people with “sangue mediterraneo” (Mediterranean blood) are definitely “figli di annibale” (children of Hannibal). Nowadays, this is another way of designating the people of southern Italy.