Giovanni Zarrella
“Pietro Lombardi is part of our family’s close circle”
Pietro Lombardi (left) and Giovanni Zarrella sing the song “Ci Sarai (Somehow)” together.
© Klimaschewski
“Pietro Lombardi belongs to our family,” said Giovanni Zarrella in an interview. The two musicians are good friends.
The solo career of pop singer Giovanni Zarrella (43) has been really picking up speed since 2019: two years ago his album “La vita è bella” reached number two in the German charts and was awarded triple gold. The success will continue in 2021: In autumn the singer will get his own Saturday evening show on ZDF, but before that he will publish new music. On April 9th, his album “Ciao!” Will be released, on which Zarrella will translate great German hits into Italian.
Also included is a duet with his friend and musician colleague Pietro Lombardi (28): “Ci Sarai (Somehow)” is based on Nena’s hit “Irgendwie, Irgendwo, Irgendwann” from 1984. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Giovanni Zarrella talks about his friendship with Pietro Lombardi, his love for his wife Jana Ina (44) and reveals what always comes first for him.
With “Ci Sarai” you have recorded a new version of Nena’s hit “Irgendwie, Irgendwo, Irgendwann”. Did you get any feedback from Nena? What does she think of the version?
Giovanni Zarrella: This wonderful title was composed by Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen. He was very happy about this new version and released it to me with great pleasure. It’s always nice to hear something like that.
How did you come up with the idea of singing well-known songs in your own version?
Zarrella: I wanted to do something that was 100 percent right for me. I am an Italian who was born in Germany, an Italo-German. I love both countries and cultures. I wanted to bring this mix to the album in a real and authentic way. So at some point the idea came up to sing German songs in the language of my heart. That was the perfect mix.
Do you have a special connection to the songs?
Zarrella: You always have to have a connection to the songs so that you can feel them and really get them across. Sometimes the song goes to the heart, sometimes to the legs. One of the two is always good.
For the second time you have teamed up with Pietro Lombardi, who is also considered your best friend. What is it like working together in such a close friendship?
Zarrella: Pietro is part of our family. He’s now part of the Zarrellas. It’s a lot of fun going to the studio with close friends because they also know how important the whole thing is to you, take it just as seriously as you and put the same passion into it.
A song with Howard Carpendale can also be heard on the album. How was working with him?
Zarrella: Fantastic. A giant in the music industry and he asks me about a duet. I couldn’t believe my luck.
How do you remember your time at Bro’Sis? Do you miss the band sometimes?
Zarrella: I loved every day by the side of my colleagues back then. It was exciting and everything was new. It was the beginning of everything and so I feel eternal gratitude in connection with Bro’Sis.
You have been married to Jana Ina for over 15 years. What do you particularly like about her?
Zarrella: I love everything about her. The person she is. How she deals with the kids. How she feels about me. Just everything.
You are an avid soccer player. Do you still find the time?
Zarrella: Absolutely. Mondays are always about the golden three points. I still play actively and I want that as long as possible. I need this challenge and the feeling of togetherness.
You are a presenter, singer and family man. How do you manage the balancing act between work and private life?
Zarrella: By always putting my family first. Everything is subordinated to that. I would never make a decision that the kids or my wife would suffer from. And when I’m out and about, the kids, including Jana Ina, know that I’m doing what I love.
From autumn you will host your own Saturday evening show on ZDF. How excited are you about it?
Zarrella: Very excited and just as happy. This is a great opportunity and it will be great fun.
Are you allowed to reveal something about it? What can the audience look forward to?
Zarrella: Music, Feelings, Joy and Amore.