Gianni “Gino” Mescoli (born 1930), also known by the pseudonym “Musikus”, is an Italian composer, conductor, arranger, and pianist born in San Benedetto Po. Mescoli graduated in piano from the Parma Conservatory and studied composition at the Bologna Conservatory. Following early work as a pianist, Mescoli signed a composition contract with Carlo Alberto Rossi. In 1963, Mescoli conducted a big band tour of the United States, performing at venues including Carnegie Hall. His compositions include the songs “Amore scusami”, “Un bacio piccolissimo”, and “Ho scritto t’amo sulla sabbia”. Mescoli conducted the Italian entry “Non andare più lontano” at the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest and won the World Popular Song Festival in 1973 and 1976. As artistic director for the label Style, Mescoli discovered Gianna Nannini and produced the international hit “Africa” for the ensemble Albatros.
