Alfio Antico
Alfio Antico (right) performing with Glen Velez and Luca Recupero
Background information
Born	(1956-11-22) November 22, 1956 (age 69) Lentini, Sicily, Italy
Origin	Italy
Genres	Folk, world music, folktronica
Occupations	Musician, singer-songwriter, actor
Instruments	Tamburo a cornice, voice, guitar
Years active	1970–present
Labels	Ala Bianca, Onyx, Rai Trade, Narciso Records

Alfio Antico (born 22 November 1956) is an Italian singer-songwriter, percussionist, and theatrical actor, regarded as one of the world’s foremost interpreters of the tamburo a cornice (frame drum). His work blends traditional Sicilian pastoral culture with contemporary folk and world music.^[1]

Antico was born in Lentini, Sicily. He lived as a shepherd until the age of 18, surrounded by pastoral life and immersed in oral traditions passed down by his grandmother.^[2]

In the 1970s, while performing in Florence, Antico was discovered by Eugenio Bennato and invited to join the folk group Musicanova. This marked his entry into the Italian folk scene.^[1]

Over his career, Antico has collaborated with Fabrizio De André, Lucio Dalla, Carmen Consoli, and Vinicio Capossela.^[2] He has also contributed to theatrical productions alongside leading Italian actors and directors.^[1]

Antico has released multiple albums, both studio and live, often featuring his self-crafted tamburi decorated with ancient symbols. His music combines traditional rhythms with experimental sounds, earning him recognition in the European folk and world music scenes.^[2]

Antico is considered both a guardian of traditional Sicilian music and an innovator who has expanded its reach into contemporary genres.^[1][2]