"Malafemmena" (pronounced [malaˈfemmənə]; "Bad Woman") is a song written by the Neapolitan actor Totò (Antonio de Curtis) in 1951. It has become one of the most popular Italian songs, a classic of the Canzone Napoletana genre, and has been recorded by many artists.

Background

Totò dedicated the song, which is in the Neapolitan language, to his wife, Diana Bandini, after they separated in 1950. It was first sung by Antonio Basurto, then by Mario Abbate before becoming a hit for Giacomo Rondinella.

Film Music

The song was used in the film Totò, Peppino e la malafemmina directed by Camillo Mastrocinque (1956), sung by Teddy Reno. It was the top-grossing movie of the year in Italy with a 1,751,300 Italian lire (about 40 million Euros in 2009) turnover.

Covers

Among the many artists who have covered this song are the following: