Corsican Music: A Cultural and Economic Force
In Corsica, music has always been central to society, deeply rooted in traditions, historical events, and, at times, serving as a powerful voice for political expression. This artistic landscape continues to shape the island’s identity and captivate its people. Data from Sacem (Society of Authors, Composers and Music Publishers) indicates that 1,144 authors, composers, and publishers contribute to a vibrant music scene, generating nearly €2.4 million in royalties in 2025, alongside revenue from performances, recordings, and related activities. Although a precise valuation of the music economy remains elusive, this figure suggests a sector worth several million euros to the island.
The Riacquistu Era and Musical Expression
The period known as the “riacquistu” – roughly translated as “reconquest” – in the 1970s, was a pivotal moment for Corsican cultural revival. Far from being limited to literature, this era witnessed a broader cultural renaissance and a surge in regionalist movements. Following recent orthographic proposals gaining acceptance among a new generation of Corsican artists in 1971, a circle of young writers emerged, striving to build upon the island’s heritage while forging a new direction for Corsican literature.
The creation of the literary review Rigiru in 1974 marked a key development. This publication brought together texts from this new generation of writers, aiming to orient Corsican language towards new literary horizons and demonstrate ambition for the language and literary expression. The core principle was to draw upon the island’s cultural heritage, adapting it to creative and high-quality artistic expression. This generation succeeded in showcasing the intrinsic qualities of the Corsican language, producing works marked by a commitment to social progress.
This period saw authors freed from a purely preservationist mindset and less burdened by diglossia, leading them to be considered founders of the modern Corsican language, as it was during this time that it was formally declared and used as such. The focus expanded beyond poetry and prose to encompass new themes and domains, with the potential to extend beyond Corsica, benefiting from the training of literary figures cultivating this artistic expression.
The Corsican Music Ecosystem
The Corsican music scene encompasses both professional musicians and those involved in associative commitments. The island’s musical identity is deeply intertwined with its history and cultural traditions.
Sacem and Royalties in Corsica
Sacem, the Society of Authors, Composers and Music Publishers, plays a crucial role in managing and distributing royalties for musical works in Corsica. The organization’s repertoire includes over 106 million works, though its search engine does not include works whose rights holders are members of foreign collective management societies with which Sacem has agreements, or works that have not yet been registered.
The nearly €2.4 million in royalties generated in 2025, combined with revenue from live performances and recordings, underscores the economic significance of music to the Corsican economy.