When music producer Shablo speaks of “luxury music,” he isn’t referring to chart-topping superficiality or trend-chasing soundbites. He’s talking about the creative freedom to make art that’s rooted in authenticity—unfiltered, soul-driven, and uncompromising. His upcoming album, Manifesto, out July 4 via Oyster Music/Island Records, embodies exactly that ethos: a deep dive into cultural roots, musical integrity, and a refusal to play by industry rules.
For those who’ve followed his recent sonic breadcrumbs—from La mia parola, premiered at the prestigious Sanremo Festival, to Gelido – Live Session and the Stevie Wonder–infused Spirito Libero—Manifesto promises a bold, cohesive statement. More than just a studio project, this album is Shablo’s artistic declaration: a celebration of black contemporary music with textures of jazz, soul, and hip hop running through its core.
Founded alongside Guè and Jacopo Pesce, Shablo’s independent label Oyster Music is a creative powerhouse that’s disrupting the traditional music landscape. At its heart lies a mission to prioritize culture over commerce. The label’s mantra? Freedom of expression, authenticity, and homage to hip hop’s roots—with a luxurious twist. “We’ll take the luxury of making the music we love,” said Shablo in a pre-Sanremo interview. And Manifesto is the first full realization of that mission.
While full details of the album’s guest collaborators are still under wraps, confirmed names already speak volumes. Joshua, the poetic voice behind a new wave of Italian R&B, joins Shablo alongside the legendary Tormento and rising star Mimì. These artists aren’t just featured voices—they’re core to the project’s DNA, and will also be joining Shablo on his Street Jazz Tour 2025, bringing Manifesto to life on stage.
The tour kicks off in culturally rich settings, reflecting the album’s jazz-laden spirit:
- 14 July – Pescara Jazz, Pescara
- 2 August – VIVA! Festival, Locorotondo (BA)
- 8 August – Summertime at Casa del Jazz, Rome
- 12 November – Teatro Arcimboldi, Milan
These dates mark more than a tour—they mark a movement. One where jazz meets street culture, where analog soul collides with digital ambition, and where artistry is the currency.
As Shablo prepares to deliver one of the most anticipated genre-fusing albums of the year, Manifesto isn’t just a title. It’s a message to the industry and the audience alike: real music never goes out of style.
