For more than 10 years now, he has been performing to sold-out audiences, in Europe, Australia, South Africa, Russia and the USA. This includes performances for the elite like the Pope, Royal families and the former USA President, George W. Bush.
Buanne is known for his romantic songs. But just because he’s into romance, it doesn’t mean that he is corny or boring.
“I grew up in my parents’ restaurant in Naples, Italy, listening to classics from the 50s and 60s. I always sang along, but when I was older, I decided to sing rock ‘n roll. I was really good at rocking with the guitar and jumping around on stage, but the lyrics lacked depth. Lyrics need to say something, touch your heart,” says Buanne.
“Romance is about much more than candle light dinners and Valentine’s Day. It’s something shared between two people every single day, whether it is to hold hands, care for each other, to respect each other or helping in the kitchen, and yes, that includes washing the dishes,” he says.
Known as the Italian Tom Jones, Buanne is coming to South Africa on Tuesday, 19 July to promote his latest CD, Viva La Dolce Vita. The album is a celebration of the 10 years since he released his first international album, The Italian.
Viva La Dolce Vita is his fourth international album, and like all the others, has already reached platinum status abroad. Well-known Italian and English favourites like Surrender, Al Di La, Il Mondo, Mambo Italiano, Un Angelo and some new songs can be heard on the CD.
The album will be released in South Africa on Friday, 24 June, but as a double CD because Buanne has got a special 10 year celebration surprise for his local fans - a bonus CD. Hits with like Liefling with Steve Hofmeyr, Always on my Mind with Juanita du Plessis and Ek mis jou elke dag ‘n bietjie meer with Corlea Botha can be heard on this CD.
He will also be performing at Classics is Groot on Friday, 29 and Saturday, 30 July in Pretoria. This show is produced by Coleske Artists, the guys behind the successful Afrikaans is Groot shows, and will focus on classic hits but with a modern twist. He will perform along other favourites like Jannie Moolman and Corlea Botha.
According to Buanne, Viva La Dolce Vita is the perfect name for this album because it personifies his outlook on life.
“La dolce vita means ‘to live the sweet life’. And that is my life. Not that my life is perfect, there is a lot of sorrow around us, worldwide. But I prefer to have a positive outlook on life, and that is what it is all about,” he says.
“I want to make people happy with my music; there is a lot of positive energy in the lyrics. If I make my fans happy, I am happy. For fans it will be a thrill and for people who don’t listen to my music, the perfect opportunity to get to know it.”