New film charts the life and times of Zurita de Oliveira, the mother of Portuguese rock

Celebrating Zurita de Oliveira: The Untold Story Behind Portuguese Rock’s Dawn

New film charts the life and times – Zurita de Oliveira, a name often overlooked in the annals of Portuguese music history, was the catalyst behind the birth of rock in the nation. While Rui Veloso, José Cid, and the Conchas are traditionally credited as the pioneers, it was Zurita who first captured the essence of rock ‘n’ roll with her groundbreaking work. Her legacy, however, faded into obscurity until a recent documentary brought her story back to the forefront.

The Birth of a Rock Pioneer

Coming from a family deeply rooted in the arts, Zurita’s journey began in the vibrant world of music. She was the sister of comedian Camilo de Oliveira, a connection that reflected the eclectic cultural environment of her time. By the 1950s, she had already produced multiple light music albums, a testament to her early influence in the Portuguese music scene. Yet, her path took an unexpected turn in 1961 when she embraced the electric guitar and the fresh sounds emerging from American rock culture.

This shift led to the creation of what is now regarded as Portugal’s first rock ‘n’ roll song, titled “O Bonitão do Rock” (The good-looking guy of rock). Her decision to transition from light music to rock marked a bold step for a woman in an era dominated by male musicians. Beyond her vocal talents, Zurita’s ability to play the electric guitar was a rare feat, earning her a unique place in the history of Portuguese music.

Rebuilding a Legacy from Scratch

After her initial foray into rock, Zurita formed her own band, embarking on a tour that introduced her music to various venues across the country. However, her career took a different direction in later years, as she dedicated herself to writing fados for her close friend and collaborator, Ada de Castro. This pivot highlighted her versatility as an artist, spanning genres and forms of expression.

Zurita passed away in 2015 at the age of 84, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that was largely unacknowledged. Francisca Marvão, a documentary filmmaker, stumbled upon this forgotten figure while researching her previous project, “Ela é uma Música” (She’s a Song). Intrigued by the stories of Zurita, Marvão embarked on a mission to uncover her life, eventually leading to the creation of a new documentary titled “Who’s Afraid of Zurita de Oliveira?”

Producing the film was no easy task. Marvão faced the challenge of limited visual documentation of Zurita’s work. Many of the recordings and images from her time have been lost over the decades, with the artist herself recording rehearsals that have since vanished. The scarcity of materials forced Marvão to think creatively, leading to the inclusion of skits with actors and reimaginings of Zurita’s songs by contemporary female musicians.

One of the key elements of the documentary was the recreation of Zurita’s iconic track, “O Bonitão do Rock.” To achieve this, Marvão assembled a new band called Zuritas Elétricas, whose members paid homage to the trailblazer by interpreting her work. This approach not only revived Zurita’s music but also highlighted the ongoing contributions of women in Portuguese alternative music. Collaborations with artists like Dama Bete, A Garota Não, Frik.são, Trypas Corassão, and Vitória & The Kalashnicoles underscored the film’s thematic focus on female empowerment in the music industry.

“It’s said that she was the pioneer of rock music in Portugal, but she was more than that. She was a musician, a lyricist, a playwright, an interpreter… above all, she was a woman who in the 1960s dared to perform great electric guitar solos on a big stage for a big audience,” says Marvão.

The Struggle for Recognition

Marvão’s project also required navigating financial hurdles. To fund the documentary, she turned to crowdfunding, a modern solution to a historical problem. The scarcity of Zurita’s original footage added another layer of complexity, as the RTP archives, which held the only known filmed record of her performing “O Namoro da Vovó,” initially refused to provide the clips free of charge.

Despite these obstacles, Marvão’s determination shone through. She crafted a narrative that blended past and present, using skits to bring Zurita’s voice to life and featuring reinterpreted versions of her songs. This creative strategy allowed the documentary to transcend the limitations of missing footage, offering a vivid portrayal of Zurita’s impact. The inclusion of female artists not only honored her legacy but also connected her story to the current generation of Portuguese musicians.

“We were able to bring to life lyrics that had been forgotten, that had never been interpreted by Zurita, that had never been recorded. Listening to what each artist did in giving voice to these songs, I was able to feel more and identify more with Zurita’s cause and what she wanted to say,” says Dama Bete, one of the featured artists.

The documentary also incorporated testimonials from those who knew Zurita personally. Ada de Castro, her longtime collaborator, and Camilo de Oliveira’s widow, Paula Marcelo, provided invaluable insights that enriched the film’s portrayal of her life and work. A guitar once used by Zurita was a cherished memento, offering a tangible link to her past and a symbol of her enduring influence.

With its blend of historical storytelling and modern creativity, “Who’s Afraid of Zurita de Oliveira?” premiered at this year’s IndieLisboa international film festival. The film not only celebrates Zurita’s pioneering spirit but also highlights the challenges women faced in a male-dominated music scene. By reviving her work and bringing her story to light, Marvão has ensured that Zurita’s legacy will inspire future generations of musicians and filmmakers alike.