Zerb
Biography
Matheus Zerbini Massa, known professionally as Zerb, is a Brazilian DJ and record producer born on December 25, 1997, in São Paulo. From a young age, he learned to play several instruments, including guitar, drums, and piano. At 14, inspired by artists like Skrillex and Deadmau5, he began producing electronic music and sharing it on YouTube and SoundCloud.
Career
Zerb's career gained momentum in 2015 when his remixes, which blended deep house and tropical house, caught the attention of the electronic music scene. A pivotal moment was his remix of ZHU's "Faded," a collaboration with Vintage Culture that brought him widespread recognition. This success led to him joining the Entourage management agency and performing across Brazil. In 2016, he performed at Lollapalooza Brazil and later graduated with a marketing degree from the University of São Paulo in 2019.
Rise to International Fame
Zerb achieved a major international breakthrough in 2023 with the single "Mwaki," featuring Kenyan singer Sofiya Nzau. The track, with lyrics in the Kikuyu language, went viral on platforms like TikTok and charted across Europe. It reached the #1 spot on Spotify's Global Viral Chart and achieved platinum status in Italy. The success of "Mwaki" led to his first European tour, with performances at major festivals like Tomorrowland and at venues such as Ushuaïa Ibiza.
Notable Collaborations and Music Style
Throughout his career, Zerb has collaborated with a variety of artists. Some of his key collaborations include "With You" with Giulia Be, which reached number 9 on Spotify's viral charts, "Wherever U Wanna Go" with Júlia Gomes, Sandeville, and Duncan, and "Like 2 Party" with Noto and Marc Benjamin. In 2024, he released "Addicted" with The Chainsmokers and singer Ink, which topped the U.S. dance radio charts. He also remixed Coldplay's single "Feels Like I'm Falling in Love." His musical style is primarily described as electronic, deep house, and tropical house, characterized by soulful melodies and pulsating basslines.
Major Performances
Zerb has performed at some of the world's most prominent music festivals. His resume includes appearances at Lollapalooza and Rock in Rio, which cemented his status as a significant figure in Brazil's electronic music scene. His European tour further expanded his global reach with sets at Tomorrowland and Parookaville.