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About Kostas Martakis
Early Life
Kostas Martakis, born Konstantinos Martakis on May 25, 1984, in Athens, is the son of Nikolaos Martakis, from Mytilene, and Labrini Lymberopoulou, a Greek-Australian. His mother first caught him secretly singing at home, and his early musical taste leaned toward rock. He went on to major in computer technologies at the American College of Greece and played basketball in Greek professional leagues before music became his full-time career.
Musical Style & Sound
Martakis works across pop, rock, and dance, building a catalog aimed squarely at contemporary Greek radio and youth audiences. His sound has consistently favored polished, hook-driven production over traditional Laïko instrumentation, positioning him among Greece's more Western-leaning pop artists.
Career Rise
Martakis gained national recognition in 2006 after appearing on Alpha TV's talent show "Dream Show," which led to a contract with Sony BMG Greece and his first single, "Panta Mazi." His debut album, "Anatropi" (2007), earned him the Best New Artist award at the MAD Video Music Awards. He went on to release five studio albums across multiple labels, including Universal Music Greece, Panik Records, and Heaven Music, with his third album, "Entasi" (2011), featuring fifteen tracks and production from a wide range of Greek and international producers. He represented Greece at the Eurovision national finals in both 2008 and 2014, and competed internationally at the 2007 New Wave Festival in Latvia, placing second overall and winning the public vote. Beyond music, he finished runner-up on the second season of Greece's Dancing with the Stars in 2011 and competed in the first season of Your Face Sounds Familiar in 2013.
Diaspora Impact
Martakis's mixed Greek and Greek-Australian heritage, through his mother's side, gives him a natural point of connection with diaspora audiences in Australia and beyond. His crossover presence across music, modeling, and television has kept him visible to diaspora fans who follow Greek pop culture across multiple media, not just music alone.
FAQ
What genre does Kostas Martakis sing?
Kostas Martakis works across pop, rock, and dance, building a catalog aimed squarely at contemporary Greek radio and youth audiences.
How did Kostas Martakis become famous?
He gained national recognition in 2006 after appearing on Alpha TV's talent show "Dream Show," which led to a contract with Sony BMG Greece and his first single, "Panta Mazi."
Did Kostas Martakis represent Greece at Eurovision?
He competed in Greece's national Eurovision finals in both 2008 and 2014, and represented the country internationally at the 2007 New Wave Festival in Latvia, placing second overall and winning the public vote.
Has Kostas Martakis appeared on reality TV?
Yes. He finished runner-up on the second season of Greece's Dancing with the Stars in 2011 and competed in the first season of Your Face Sounds Familiar in 2013.
What was Kostas Martakis' debut album?
His debut album, "Anatropi" (2007), earned him the Best New Artist award at the MAD Video Music Awards.
Where can I listen to Kostas Martakis?
You can stream his music on GetGreece Radio, along with other leading voices in contemporary Greek pop.
About
Kostas Martakis rose to fame through the talent show Dream Show and has since become one of Greece's most recognizable pop figures. Known for his modeling background and high-energy stage shows, he has represented Greece in numerous international song festivals. In 2025, he returned to the spotlight with a renewed sound that integrated more traditional Greek elements into his dance-pop repertoire. As of 2026, he continues to be a versatile entertainer, moving between music, television hosting, and theater, maintaining a loyal fanbase that appreciates his consistency and Mediterranean charm.
Diaspora Impact
A popular figure in the European diaspora, frequently headlining Greek festivals in Germany and Belgium.
