Il beat, la melodia e il dialetto napoletano nei testi dei 99 Posse: dai retaggi popolari alle influenze d’Oltreoceano

Abstract

The following paper focusses on the transversal use of dialect and musical influences in songs by the group 99 Posse. Formed in the 1990’s, this is one of the most representative bands of the underground Neapolitan music scene. They are part of a kind of nouvelle vague partenopea that begins in the 1970s with the amazing band Napoli Centrale and continues until nowadays with the new musical collective called Terroni Uniti. I will underline the evidence of the transcultural nature of the 99 Posse compositions, analyzing three of the most important songs of their career. The first is the masterpiece of the band: “Curre curre guaglió”, the soundtrack of the ‘90s Italian rebel generation.
The second song is “S’addà appiccià”, an original composition full of religious and pagan references that are typical of the ancient south Italian culture, revised by 99 Posse to spread messages against the corruption of the political system. The third is “Napolì”, a very nice picture of the transcultural aspect of the city of Naples, painted through the sounds and the words of this beautiful composition.