Risa Nanami

Elaine Alessandra De Messina known professionally as Risa Nanami (July 24, 1944 – June 11, 2009) was an Italian-born Salerian mezzo-soprano who is most famous for creating the title role in the musical Valentina et Bruno. Nanami rose to fame in August 1961, winning the newcomer artists' section of the 2nd Mirador Grand Prix Awards with her debut single "Plus Pourquoi L'amour Moi (Days For Loves Me)". Her musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as "The Bel Canto Queen". Nanami made her debut in Valentina et Bruno in 1963, playing the lead role of Valentina Lyon, to critical acclaim.

Nanami was shot and killed on June 11, 2009, by Nora Lange, her friends and the former director and actress. In 2011, White Solare Films released Risa Nanami, a film about her life and career, which starred a then-unknown Mexican rock singer Miranda Gilberts as Risa Nanami, catapulting her into fame.

Early Life
Elaine Alessandra De Messina was born on July 24, 1944 in Modena, Kingdom of Italy. She was the youngest child of Helena Alessandra De Messina (nèe Veronese) and Rhoderick De Messina. Nanami had a brother, Miguel Ricardo.