Raf: The Italian Pop Icon

Raf is the stage name of Italian singer-songwriter Raffaele Riefoli, a defining voice in Italian pop music since the 1980s. Hailing from Margherita di Savoia, his career is marked by multi-platinum album sales and a string of chart-topping hits that have cemented his status as a national favorite.

Early career

Raffaele Riefoli was born in 1959 and began his musical journey in the late 1970s, initially playing bass in various rock and progressive bands. His solo career under the mononym Raf started in earnest in 1983 with his self-titled debut album, which introduced his distinctive blend of melodic pop and introspective lyrics.

Breakthrough

Raf achieved massive commercial success in 1987 with his third studio album, Svegliarsi un anno fa. The album, released under the Dischi Ricordi label, was propelled by its lead single and became a cultural phenomenon, eventually selling over 1.5 million copies and achieving multi-platinum status in Italy.

Key tracks

Self Control — His 1984 cover of the Laura Branigan hit became a major hit in Italy and across Europe, establishing his international profile.

Ti Pretendo — This soaring ballad was a central track on his breakthrough album and remains one of his most beloved and recognizable songs.

Interminatamente — A quintessential Raf ballad that showcases his emotive vocal delivery and songwriting depth.

Il Battito Animale — A later-career hit from 1993 that demonstrated his enduring ability to craft compelling pop-rock anthems.

Following his peak in the late 80s, Raf continued to release successful albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including Cannibali (1993) and Iperbole (2001). He has collaborated with notable Italian artists like Umberto Tozzi and has participated in the Sanremo Music Festival multiple times as both a competitor and a guest. His catalog, which includes over a dozen studio albums, has earned him several gold and platinum certifications over a career spanning four decades.

For fans of Raf's melodic Italian pop-rock, similar artists featured on our site include Umberto Tozzi, who shares a knack for powerful, romantic ballads. Eros Ramazzotti explores a similar vein of contemporary Italian pop songcraft. Nek carries forward the tradition of guitar-driven Italian pop with modern production. Laura Pausini represents the emotive, vocal-focused side of the Italian pop genre.

Raf's timeless catalog is a staple on Italian adult contemporary and classic pop radio stations across our network. His biggest hits from the 80s and 90s receive regular airplay on stations dedicated to nostalgic hits, while his later work is featured on channels playing modern Italian pop music.

Listeners can explore the enduring music of Raf on the Italian pop and classic hits radio stations available on onairium.com, where his signature songs remain in permanent rotation.