One of the most important samba artists of the São Paulo state, Germano Matias became famous as a proponent of the so-called "syncopated samba." One of his peculiarities was that since he was an ex-shoeshiner, he always recorded and performed executing the accompanying rhythm in a wax can. Interpreting a syncopated samba in a novice show in the Rádio Tupi in 1955, he was noticed for the outing and hired immediately. Matias recorded his first album in 1956, which contained "Minha Nega Na Janela" (with Doca). In the next year he recorded his first LP, Germano Matias, O Sambista Diferente, which was awarded with the Prêmio Roquette Pinto and the Prêmio Guarani. In 1958 he had one of his biggest hits, the samba "Guarde a Sandália Dela" (with Sereno), which was re-recorded later by the duo Elis Regina/Jair Rodrigues. In the '60s Matias worked in other radio and TV stations of São Paulo and continued to record. One of his hits of that period was Zé Kéti's samba "Malvadeza Durão." He also recorded works by other traditional samba composers like Nelson Cavaquinho ("História de Um Valente"). Matias continues to perform until today, but his last album was recorded in 1974. ~ Alvaro Neder