Francesco Gabbani - Occidentali's Karma (official Music Video) Apr 2026

The story of the music video is a satirical journey through the modern Westerner's search for enlightenment in a digital age. The Concept: The Dancing Ape

Released as Italy's entry for the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest , the video became a viral sensation, amassing over 200 million views. It won the prestigious , with critics like Gianni Vattimo noting that the sophisticated, reference-heavy lyrics felt like something written by Umberto Eco . The story of the music video is a

The music video and lyrics are packed with philosophical "Easter eggs" that contrast ancient wisdom with modern vanity: The music video and lyrics are packed with

: Gabbani references the Greek philosopher Heraclitus and his idea that "everything flows." In the video, this ancient wisdom is juxtaposed with the fleeting, shallow nature of internet culture. Gabbani uses this "dancing ape" to mock the

The video’s most iconic element is a man in a gorilla suit dancing alongside Francesco Gabbani. This is a direct reference to book The Naked Ape , which posits that despite our cultural and technological advancements, humans remain biological primates. Gabbani uses this "dancing ape" to mock the superficial way Westerners adopt Eastern spiritualism—like yoga or meditation—as a mere anti-stress remedy without truly understanding its depth. Key Themes and Symbols

The story the video tells is ultimately one of irony: we are all "naked apes" trying to find meaning through a smartphone lens, dancing through life while confusing "having" with "being".

: The video showcases Gabbani in bright, stylish outfits, representing the "Westernized" version of Eastern traditions. He suggests that we try to buy "Paradise at half-price" through commercialized spirituality. Cultural Impact