Legendary Corsican Singer Antoine Ciosi Dies at 94
Antoine Ciosi, a foundational pillar of Corsican music who recorded roughly forty albums and won the inaugural Festival de la chanson corse at the Olympia in 1963, died during the night of October 3 to 4, 2025, at his home in the hamlet of Curzo in Corbara, at the age of 94.
From Sorbo-Ocagnano to the Paris Stage
Born in Sorbo-Ocagnano in Haute-Corse in 1931, Ciosi initially trained as a shepherd before leaving for Paris during his military service. To make a living, he spent three years performing in operettas at the Théâtre Mogador, noting later that he simply “had to eat.” His career turned decisively in March 1963 when he took home the grand prize for interpretation at the first Festival de la chanson corse at the Olympia, singing “Paese Spentu,” a track about a dying village. That breakthrough launched a prolific recording catalog that spanned over six decades and encompassed traditional songs alongside original compositions.
Catalog Expansion and Literary Pursuits
Following his Olympia success, Ciosi released a steady stream of conceptually driven records featuring spoken introductions, singing of rural life, local legends, and the pain of island depopulation and exile. According to Corse-Matin, he performed for the last time in August 2025 in Lumio. Alongside his musical output, which included well-known tracks such as “U Tragulinu,” “Le Prisonnier,” “Cursichella,” and “Corsica amata,” he authored several books about his childhood and Corsican heritage, including the memoir Une odeur de figuier sauvage : Une enfance corse. During the Riacquistu, he championed the Corsican language and performed at major venues like the Palais de Chaillot.
Collaborating Across Generations
Far from remaining fixed in the repertoire of the 1960s, Ciosi consistently engaged with younger musicians. He recorded the collaborative project Corsu Mezu Mezu 2, organized by Patrick Fiori, joining Julien Doré for a rendition of “Le Dernier des Bandits.” He also frequently shared the stage and recorded with his son, guitarist Jérôme Ciosi, collaborating on the stripped-down acoustic album Babbu è Figliolu and participating in the Ultimu Giru farewell tour.
Tributes Across the Corsican Music Community
News of his death prompted immediate reactions across the island’s artistic community. Felì Travaglini expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a close friend and tireless champion of the Corsican language, while singer Diana Saliceti credited Ciosi with supporting younger artists throughout his career. Fellow performers Patrizia Gattaceca and Thomas Dutronc also offered public tributes as funeral arrangements were confirmed for Wednesday at 3:00 PM at the church of Corbara.
Repose en paix Antoine.
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