Trento, a city known for its rich history and stunning Alpine views, might initially seem like a quiet, less international town. However, beneath its calm exterior, it is also home to a thriving cultural scene, shaped by the diverse individuals who call it home. One prominent figure in the scene is Nana Motobi, a rapper, producer, record label owner, and festival organizer who has brought the rhythms of Ghana to Northern Italy, creating a unique bridge between cultures through music. The multi-talented musician sat down with the Trento International editorial team to talk about his new song “My Religion”, his music and his life in Trentino as an international.
Originally from Ghana, Nana Motobi made the bold move to Trento in 2007, carrying with him not only his personal dreams but also a deep love for music. “I came to Trento because my uncle invited me,” Nana recalls. “I wanted to see what was happening on the other side of the world.” His passion for music led him to establish himself as a powerful voice in the local hip-hop and Afrobeat scenes, blending his African roots with European influences. Over the years, he has expanded his impact by producing music for emerging artists, running his own record label, and curating a music festival that celebrates multiculturalism and artistic expression.
Before settling in Trento, Nana spent time in different European cities, searching for a place where he felt he could thrive. “I went to the Netherlands, but it was too cold and too flat for me. Then I tried Germany, but the grey skies were depressing,” he admits. Eventually, he returned to Trento. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when he discovered Lagolo, a small village in the mountains outside Trento. “The first time I visited Lagolo, I thought, ‘This is paradise.’ It’s isolated, quiet, and surrounded by nature. It gave me the perfect space to create.”
Lagolo is a small town at about 1000m above sea level on Monte Bondone on the side of Val di Laghi. Despite being small, it offers Nana the creative solitude he craves. “There are no neighbors knocking on my door at 2 a.m., no city noise—it’s just me, my studio, the lake and the mountains,” he says. The peaceful setting allows him to focus deeply on his craft, and the natural reverberations of the landscape even inspire his music. “When I shout in the mountains, the echoes create their own rhythms. It’s like nature is part of my sound.”
For Nana, music is more than just a career—it’s his calling. “Music is my religion,” he says. “My Bible is my computer, my holy book is my program where I produce and record.” He started as a rapper in Ghana, performing at school events and freestyle battles, but when he moved to Italy, he wanted to take his craft more seriously. “I looked at the studios and thought, if I had this equipment at home, I could wake up at 2 a.m. when inspiration strikes, record, and then go back to sleep.”
Driven by his desire to create music on his own terms, Nana taught himself music production, later taking courses to refine his skills. “I realized it wasn’t as easy as it seemed. I had to study, learn the technical aspects, and really understand what I was doing,” he explains. Now, he owns studios in Lagolo, Mozambique, and Ghana, each place influencing his sound in a unique way. “Every location has its own musical energy. When I’m in Mozambique, I feel calmness in my music. In Ghana, it’s hot, the rhythm is fast. Each place brings out something different.”
As an expat, Nana Motobi’s journey has been one of resilience and creativity. He has navigated the challenges of adapting to a new culture while using his artistry to carve out a space where diversity thrives. His festivals have become a testament to his vision—bringing together artists from different backgrounds and giving them a platform to share their voices with the world. “We organize artistic residencies, inviting musicians from different countries to come, create, and collaborate,” he shares. His annual festival in Trento, dedicated to independent women, features live music, food, trade fairs, and a celebration of diverse cultures. “Every year, we get artists from all over—Jamaica, the U.S., Senegal, South Africa. It’s amazing how far people travel to be part of this.”
For many in Trento’s growing expat community, Nana Motobi can be an inspiration—a reminder that embracing one’s heritage while integrating into a new society can lead to powerful and lasting contributions. “I bring small pieces of everywhere I go into my music,” he says. “I record sounds from the places I visit—birds in Berlin at 4 a.m., traffic in Accra—and transform them into samples that I then use in my songs. Music connects everything.” His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the universal language of music that bridges people beyond borders.
Most recently, Nana released a new E.P Pun Dem. He talked to us about the song, My Religion, a deeply personal track that reflects his philosophy on music and life. “For me, music is my religion. My lyrics are my verses, my studio is my temple,” he explains. The song explores the universal theme of love, which he believes is at the core of all religions. “Every religion speaks about love, but people have turned it into something else. Through music, I can share my love with the world.” Strongly influenced by his time in Mozambique, the song carries a distinct calmness and a rhythmic depth that reflects the country’s musical heritage. The track, along with its music video shot in the Mafalala Museum, is now available for streaming. Check it out here!
Looking ahead, Nana is preparing for the next edition of Amoahbia Festival, which will take place in August 2025. This festival is a vibrant celebration of African culture through food, dance and music set in the picturesque mountain landscape of Lagolo. Dedicated to strong women, Amoahbia Festival brings together artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs to create an inspiring space for cultural exchange, music, and empowerment. Keep an eye on our events page to find out more and join us dancing to African beats in the mountains of Trentino this summer!