Demétrius

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Demétrio Zahra Netto

Years Active

1959–2019

Genres

rock and roll, jovem guarda, pop

Instruments

vocal

Biography

Demétrius, stage name of Demétrio Zahra Netto, was born in Rio de Janeiro and began his musical journey in the late 1950s, recording his first works for the Young label. Throughout his career, he stood out as one of the pioneers of national rock by releasing emblematic songs and cover versions that marked an era, consolidating himself as one of the great names of Brazilian youth music.

In 1961, he achieved significant success with the Portuguese version of Corina, Corina, followed by the release of Rock do Saci, a composition by Baby Santiago considered the first genuinely Brazilian rock song. Years later, in 1964, he exploded nationally with O ritmo da chuva, a cover version of the hit by the group The Cascades. His popularity led him to join the famous Jovem Guarda movement on TV Record starting in 1965, alongside icons like Roberto Carlos.

Consolidated as one of youth's greatest idols, Demétrius sold thousands of records, performed on the country's main stages, and received important awards, such as the Chico Viola trophy. After a long period away from the stage, he returned to celebrate his old hits, leaving an invaluable legacy in the history of Brazilian pop music and rock until his passing in 2019.

Discography

• Canta... com Amor e Mocidade (1961)
• Ídolo da Juventude (1962)
• Demétrius (Voltou a Carta) (1963)
• Ritmo da Chuva (1964)
• O Ídolo que Volta (1967)
• Viver por Viver (1968)
• Encontro (1973)
• O Ritmo da Chuva (1976)
• Demetrius