Verona, October 19th 2025
Mauro Farina, founder and CEO of The Saifam Group — one of the longest-running and most influential independent music companies in Italy — has passed away.
A man who turned passion into enterprise, art into vision, and music into a language capable of uniting generations and cultures.
His career was a passionate journey that began as a musician and evolved into record entrepreneurship, always guided by one constant: curiosity.
From being the voice of Caravan — with whom he performed abroad at a very young age — to building an innovative structure that trained artists and professionals, Farina always believed in the power of ideas and creative freedom.
“His path was an example of determination and courage,” recalls Cristina Zoccatelli, who worked alongside him since the 1980s and is now the company’s General Manager.
“He had a sharp mind, great depth of spirit, and the ability to anticipate trends. He never stopped in the face of difficulties, and he truly believed that music could be a bridge between people and cultures. He was a demanding mentor, yet always fair and generous.”
At the Lugagnano di Sona headquarters — the heart of Saifam — his imprint and innovative spirit remain.
“When I arrived in 2004, I was just an enthusiastic kid,” says Fabio Sgaravato, now Saifam’s Artistic Director.
“Mauro believed in me, and in many young people who still work here today. He taught us to value passion and turn it into a profession, without ever losing curiosity or the desire to improve.”
A sports enthusiast and devoted Juventus supporter, Farina always supported local initiatives and chose to remain tied to his hometown, Lugagnano, where everything began.
He looked to the future with optimism — even when faced with new technologies and artificial intelligence — approaching them with curiosity and a constructive mindset.
Deeply devoted to his family, he was the husband of Donatella, father of Simone, and grandfather of Viktoria and Olivia, with whom he loved spending time.
“My father had a unique way of communicating,” says Simone Farina.
“Through music, he could connect with anyone. He was among the first to bring our company to Japan and the United States, when it all still seemed like a dream. He was a visionary, able to see far ahead and make possible what many thought unreachable.
He also had a deep passion for architecture and construction, an interest that led him to the real estate world, fascinated by aesthetics, design, and the value of creating.”
“Mauro was a grounded and positive person,” colleagues recall.
“He had the ability to instill confidence, inspire, and always look ahead. His enthusiasm was contagious.”
With his passing, the Italian independent music scene loses a pioneer. But what remains is the legacy of a man who combined discipline and imagination, creating a reality that continues to echo his vision around the world.
An example of passion and optimism that will continue to live on — like a melody that never stops playing.
Messages of condolences…
In these hours, many colleagues, friends, and collaborators have written to remember him:
“You left on a sunny day, and only God knows the emptiness I feel now…
I think of all the times we shared strategies, your ability to absorb every new concept, your insight and intuition — the qualities that made you great…
May God accompany you to a better world, where you will teach angels the notes and songs of friendship and love.”
“I ask to play the BEATLES to soothe the silence I feel, and to keep you company with your MUSIC.”
“Your wit in difficult moments and those deep eyes that always seemed to see beyond.”
“To me, he was a unique entrepreneur in every sense — and a magical man.
I remember him walking through the dusty halls of the institute, as if he came from another world, surrounded by an aura that made him look like a prince. That’s how I will always remember him.”
“His memory will continue to live through his incredible contribution and the people he touched.”
“Life is unpredictable… There are people we never forget — those who gave us life, those who helped us fly.
Mauro, you will be deeply missed by all of us who knew you. Your wisdom, your unique presence, and the music we will continue to create endlessly will remain with us.”
“You were important to the music world and to the lives of many people. You were important in mine as well, and I will never forget you.”
“For thirty years you were a guide, an example, a figure I always admired.
You treated me like family — with affection, advice, and respect.
I watched your company grow day after day with the same determination and passion you invested in everything you did.
You were a quiet yet immense force.”
“For an entire generation, Mauro Farina was the reference point for dance music producers.”
“Mauro was one of the first to believe in independent music — building a world made of ideas, courage, and authenticity.
He welcomed me into his studios, where I learned this craft: creating, producing, and releasing music.
His passion was contagious, his dedication an example for all of us.
Anyone who had the privilege of working with him knows how much energy and vision he could transmit.
Thank you Mauro, for everything you gave to music.”
“I can't stop thinking about the first time we all met at MIDEM, he made such a strong impression on me. I knew we'd work closely together for decades ( 30 + years) but never imagined losing Mauro this early. I am in tears as I write this. I can't imagine what you are all going through”.
“Mauro Farina 是我音乐旅程中极其重要的人物。我们在2015年相识，他一直是我慷慨而真诚的朋友。那是 Carlo 第一次把我介绍给 Mauro，而 Mauro 立刻表达了希望与我合作、共同开拓中国音乐及版权市场的意愿。当时我向他提出了一个几乎没有意大利人会接受的条件，但 Mauro 立刻答应了——这对我来说几乎难以置信。从我们第一次见面起，他就展现出一位真正领袖的智慧与风度。
后来，我与 CF 一起，将 Saifam 音乐目录及其版权引入中国，并取得了巨大的成功——那也是我人生中第一个重要的经济成就。从那以后，Mauro 给了我许多机会，也让我学到了很多关于音乐版权世界的知识。那段经历直接影响了 LM 的成长与发展方向。我将永远感激他给予我的帮助与信任。衷心感谢你，Mauro。愿你安息。S
“He wasn’t just a business partner, he was a constant presence in our lives and careers, a trusted friend, and someone I respected immensely. He was family”.
“It’s unbelievable…a shock. Looking back on years of wonderful collaboration…always a sharp negotiator, but above all, someone with a heart.”
