ATHENS – Renowned composer Christos Nikolopoulos has spoken out in defense of singer Christos Mastoras’s portrayal of legendary Greek singer Stelios Kazantzidis in the recent biopic “Yparcho” (I Exist), following a wave of criticism regarding Mastoras’s performance.
In an interview on the morning show “Proino” with journalist Thanos Vagias today, Nikolopoulos praised Mastoras’s acting, asserting that he “performed the role very well.” He further emphasized Mastoras’s physical resemblance to a younger Kazantzidis. Nikolopoulos’s comments come in the wake of public debate surrounding Mastoras’s interpretation of the iconic singer, with some critics questioning his ability to capture the essence of Kazantzidis’s powerful vocals and stage presence.
Nikolopoulos, claiming to have known Kazantzidis intimately, particularly during the singer’s time in America, dismissed the negative commentary, urging critics to cease their attacks on Mastoras. He highlighted the extensive preparation Mastoras undertook, stating the singer “studied Kazantzidis’s voice for many hours” and delivered “the best that could be done.” Acknowledging the impossibility of truly replicating Kazantzidis’s unique vocal talent, Nikolopoulos nevertheless commended Mastoras’s respectable presence as both a singer and an actor.
The composer also lauded the overall quality of the film, praising the casting choices and congratulating the actors involved. He concluded his interview by shifting focus to contemporary Greek music, highlighting the talents of popular singers like Oikonomopoulos, Argyros, and Vertis, whom he categorized as laiko singers, and praising composer Giorgos Theofanous. Nikolopoulos’s staunch defense of Mastoras adds fuel to the ongoing discussion surrounding “Yparcho” and its depiction of one of Greece’s most beloved musical figures.
