Salvatore Adamo received a very warm welcome this Saturday in Jemappes. Back in his hometown, the singer with millions of records sold worldwide was invited to inaugurate a rose garden named after him. An honor that the artist underlined on more than one occasion, treating the audience of early fans to several of his flagship songs, including “C’est ma vie” and “Vous permettez monsieur.”
“This park is definitely part of my memories. I played football or kicker there“, he recalled as many Jemappiens, former neighbours or former playing buddies, called out to him in turn. “It’s a whole part of my life. What a tribute to have a rose garden that bears my name.” Born from a collaboration between the non-profit organization Porteuses de Projets de Jemappes (PPJ), the non-profit organization of Parc de Jemappes, the project really took shape on April 9, during the plantings.
“The two non-profit organizations contacted me to present their project and call on the Athénée Provincial Jean d’Avesnes, which has a horticulture section,” explains Pascal Lafosse (PS), provincial deputy in charge of education . “We immediately responded favorably to the call and asked our 7th grade students to contribute. This is something very positive because we will now have to maintain this rose garden, associated with the prestigious name of the artist.”
Now visible in the heart of the Jemappes park, a “haven of peace” in this former densely populated commune, it is complementary to the other project carried out by the city of Mons in homage to Salvatore Adamo, namely the creation of a museum and of a space for artistic creation. “We are actively working on it, with his support“, confirms Nicolas Martin (PS), mayor.
“His former house will indeed host a museum dedicated to his journey, from his beginnings here in Jemappes to his career, and a music academy. Salvatore is committed to supporting young artists in the region so that they can develop their talent and benefit from their presence, from the presence of musician or singer friends.” His old house, located at number 886 avenue Maréchal Foch, was purchased for some 465,000 euros.
