Funk, afrobeat, and jazz: these are the foundations of Il Mago del Gelato, a sensual and vibrant blend where Mediterranean flavors and the spirit of Via Padova come to life through enveloping horns, infectious grooves, and melodies bursting with freshness.

Il Mago del Gelato is made up of four musicians, driven by a fascination with the world and its endless diversity. Their deep curiosity, both musical and cultural, is at the heart of their work. They borrowed their name from a bar in Via Padova, a place where, like much of the neighborhood, they gather for a coffee in a swirl of languages and cultures. From that bar, they observe, connect, and immerse themselves in the lives of others, drawing inspiration and ideas for their music.

After winning over audiences and insiders alike on Milan’s underground scene, and performing at venues across Italy and abroad, they were named to Rolling Stone’s 2023 Class, a list of the year’s most promising new acts in April, without even a single track released.

In May, they took the stage at MI AMI Festival, coinciding with the release of their debut single Zenzero, followed by Elisir in June.

Both tracks led up to the October 2023 release of their debut EP, Maledetta Quella Notte, produced by Marquis. This first record solidified their funk-driven sound, blending it with jazz, 1960s Italian film scores, and disco, all crafted to prioritize quality and the listener’s urge to move.

With Il Mago del Gelato, music might just become cool again.