Milan Artist Naima Farao Kicks Off India Tour in Pune
Milan-based singer and composer Naima Farao arrives in Pune this weekend with a unique artistic vision. She brings a body of work shaped equally by visual observation and musical listening. Farao, who trained in both music and visual arts, views creativity as a continuous process. She constantly observes, listens, and responds to the world around her.
Visual Arts Influence Musical Journey
"I am a naturally curious person," Farao said. "Different art forms always fascinate me. This includes photography, painting, illustration, and music. I love observing my surroundings. I try to understand other people's perspectives."
Farao will perform at High Spirits Cafe in Koregaon Park on January 10. This concert opens her India tour. She will also visit Chennai, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in the coming days.
Debut Album and Upcoming Projects
Her debut album Dots came out last year. It moves fluidly between nu jazz and alternative soul. Farao is currently working on her next album. She collaborates with a quartet featuring Edoardo Maggioni on keyboards, Andrea Dominoni on bass, and Matteo D'Ignazi on drums.
"I have been collaborating with them for three years," she explained. "They will also accompany me on stage during my India tour."
Spontaneous Composition and Artistic Philosophy
Farao's work often embraces spontaneous composition. Performances unfold organically rather than following fixed scripts. "Observation and listening are fundamental pillars," she said. "They allow us to process and develop our own vision. This leaves room for the unexpected. It becomes a starting point for creating unplanned things."
Building a Diverse Career
Over the last decade, Farao steadily built her career. She worked on a wide range of projects. These include experimental jazz with the Artchipel Orchestra. She also collaborated on techno brass projects. Farao engaged in a cappella vocal work. She performed with soul and funk collectives based in Milan.
First Performance Tour in India
Her upcoming India tour holds special significance. Though Farao visited India before, this marks her first performance tour here. She first came to India in 2008 on a backpacking trip.
"Some places have a way of calling you back," Farao reflected. "You don't know when or if that will happen. So you go with the flow. The call of India is impossible to resist. I didn't visit the cities on this tour before. So everything feels entirely new. I'm excited and curious about audience reactions. My goal is to connect with listeners everywhere I play."
Collaboration as Central Growth Element
Collaboration played a central role in her artistic growth. "Personal research enriches through meeting other musicians and artists," she noted. "Exchange creates synergy. Listening fosters growth. As Frank Zappa said, a mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it's not open."
Multiple Artistic Roles and Ensembles
Beyond her solo career, Farao participates in several ensembles. She joins the vocal section of the Artchipel Orchestra. This is one of Italy's most creative experimental jazz groups. She also collaborates with Mefisto Brass, a strong European techno brass band.
Farao serves as the alto in the a cappella vocal sextet Elephant Claps. She performs with Soul Circus, a Milan-based soul-funk collective.
Live Performance Philosophy
Performing across European venues and festivals sharpened her understanding. "Over time, I realized energy is fundamental," Farao shared. "Being on stage is a privilege. An audience listens to me. Often people don't know who I am. They come out of curiosity. I try to give my all. I want listeners to truly feel my vibe."
For Farao, meaningful performances rely on exchange rather than display. "The result is continuous exchange," she added. "It depends on constant, positive, genuine tension. This keeps everyone connected."
