Sayf

Biography

Adam Sayf Viacava (born 23 March 1999), known mononymously as Sayf (pronounced [ˈseif]), is an Italian rapper and singer-songwriter.

Early life

Born in Genoa to an Italian father, Gaetano, and a Tunisian mother, Samia Ghariani (who separated when he was 9), Viacava spent his childhood moving between his birth city, Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure. He learned to play the trumpet while in middle school and developed a passion for rap around the age of 14.

Career

At the end of 2017, along with fellow Genoese artist Zero Vicious (former producer of Tedua and Vaz Tè) and others, Viacava formed the collective Luvre Muzik. In 2019, collaborating with members of Shank and Luvre Muzik, he released the self-published 25-track mixtape Sono triste – even though he later "disowned" this work. In 2020, he released Everyday Struggle, a mixtape written during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sesto San Giovanni, where he had moved aged 18 in hopes of achieving a breakthrough. Having failed to do so, he had moved back to Liguria shortly afterwards.
In 2024, Viacava established the Genovarabe collective alongside Helmi Sa7bi, Sossy, Marvin and Vincè, with whom he collaborated on several songs. Sayf gained nationwide fame in 2025, upon signing with ADA/Warner and releasing the EP Se Dio vuole and the singles "Pachamama" (with Rhove) and "Chanelina Soubrette" (with Disme and Ele A). He has also worked as a writer for Sugar Music. His first live performance was at Santeria Toscana 31 in Milan in April 2025. His single "Figli dei palazzi" (feat. Néza) peaked at number 53 on the Italian charts.
Sayf co-wrote Genoese rapper Bresh's song "Erica", from his June 2025 album Mediterraneo. The same month, his single "Sto bene al mare" – co-written and performed with Marco Mengoni and Rkomi – came out, charting at position 25. He was selected for Radar 2025, Spotify's program for emerging artists.

On 30 November 2025, Sayf was announced among the participants of the Sanremo Music Festival 2026. He competed with the song "Tu mi piaci tanto", which finished second overall in the final of 28 February 2026. During the Sanremo week, he announced the Santissimo tour, held between June and October 2026 in several cities of Italy; the tour was anticipated by the release of the eponymous debut album and singles extracted from it. The Sanremo lead single peaked at number 2 on the Italian charts and was certified platinum, while the album topped the charts and received a gold certification. Both releases were also recognized at the BYD Music Awards in September 2026.
The following October, Sayf starred in the documentary Il cielo in una stanza, in which he meets inmates at Chiavari jail.

Artistry and influences

Sayf's style has been described by publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard as fresher, freer and lighter compared to the dominant rap schemes both in his country and abroad. In addition to his double Tunisian–Genoese heritage, he has been influenced by samba, cumbia, trap and Italian melodic style; this has been observed in several songs featuring themes of introspection, nostalgia or love, as well as in tributes to artists including Gino Paoli, Adriano Celentano, Franco Califano and Vinicio Capossela. Viacava also claims influences from the music his father made him listen to as a child, which ranged from Fabrizio De André and PFM to Arab and Indian music.
As of 2026, Sayf's producers are Jiz and Dibla.

Personal life

As of 2025, Sayf lives in Rapallo. He is a self-described "believer in his own way", practicing some cultural aspects of Islam. As of March 2026, he is in a relationship with dancer Bianca Genovese.
Sayf is a supporter of Genoa CFC, and has participated in the promotion of the club's jerseys.