Iran Pereira da Costa, born in Porto Franco, Maranhão, Brazil, in 1965, is much more than the artist behind the massive hit “O Bicho” (The Beast). His trajectory is a story of perseverance, of a young communicator who traded the comfort of Brazilian radio studios for the challenge of conquering a new country. Before becoming an icon of dance music in Portugal, Iran Costa first solidified his passion for communication, working as a DJ and radio host for about a decade in his homeland.
The major leap in his life and career came in 1993, when he decided to head for Portugal. It was with hope and the ambition to launch his music that he released his first album. However, the following two years would solidify his name on the Portuguese music scene, proving that success sometimes requires patient waiting.
The explosion happened in 1995 with the release of his version of the track “O Bicho”. The infectious melody, the fun lyrics, and the choreography mimicking a crocodile — which Iran Costa himself popularized — turned the song into a social phenomenon. The success was immediate and overwhelming: in just three months, the artist achieved three Platinum Discs, culminating in an impressive total of six Platinum Discs for the album named after the song. From then on, Iran Costa was no longer just a singer; he became the “pet beast of the Portuguese,” as he was affectionately called.
The success of “O Bicho” was not an isolated lucky break, but rather the starting point for consolidating a very distinct style. Iran Costa stood out as the ambassador of many Brazilian hits in Portuguese lands, adapting them with his signature festive pop/dance touch. Songs like “É O Tchan” (on the 1996 album Só Se For Dance) and the equally iconic “Pimpolho” (1997) kept him at the top of the charts and on television screens.
Behind the stage lights and the Platinum Discs, there is a story of overcoming adversity. Iran Costa, in more intimate interviews, revealed having had a very tough childhood in Maranhão. These difficult years, which led him to start working early to help his family, forged his resilience and strong work ethic, which was reflected in his artistic longevity. Music and radio were always his refuge and the path to a better life.
With an extensive discography that spanned well into the new millennium, Iran Costa never slowed down. The singer continued to release albums and tour the country, keeping alive the flame of dance music that the public so acclaimed. Each album, from Ritmo do Sol (2000) to Show (2003) and more recent ones like Relaxa, proves his ability to reinvent himself and maintain his fan base.
In 2019, the singer celebrated the 25th anniversary of his biggest hit with the release of a remake of “O Bicho”. This tribute not only refreshed the classic for a new generation but also underscored the lasting legacy of a song that became part of Portuguese popular culture, still being a mandatory presence at parties and events today.
Iran Costa’s career is, therefore, an inspiring fusion of talent, adaptability, and charisma. His journey, which began on Brazilian radio and reached its peak on the stages of Portugal, is a testament to music’s power to cross oceans and cultures. The “Crocodile” who invited us to dance in 1995 remains active, celebrating life and joy through the rhythms that have immortalized him.
Where is Iran Costa Now? The Luso-Brazilian Artist’s Fight After the Scare On Stage
Iran Costa is a figure of longevity in the Portuguese music scene, accustomed to maintaining an intense routine of shows and releasing new tracks, celebrating the legacy that immortalized him as the man of “O Bicho” (The Beast) and “Pimpolho” (Pee-wee). However, his recent journey was abruptly interrupted by a health emergency that brought the singer to the headlines for a reason of concern, not celebration.
The latest scare occurred in September 2025, shortly after the artist had performed a concert in Lisbon. The singer, who was preparing for another performance, felt unwell and was diagnosed with a heart attack (enfarte). The situation led to his immediate and critical admission to the Intensive Care Unit at Hospital de Santa Maria in Lisbon.
This dramatic episode, which unexpectedly pulled him from the stage, generated a wave of solidarity and concern from fans and colleagues. The rapid medical intervention, which included a catheterization, was crucial. Fortunately, the latest information shared by his representatives indicates that Iran Costa is now out of danger and, although he has left the Intensive Care Unit, he remains hospitalized for an essential period of recovery.
Despite the forced interruption, Iran Costa’s musical career had been active and ongoing. In recent years, the artist continued to inject joy into the market with recent releases, such as the single “O Tubarão” (The Shark) (in 2025) and the album “Relaxa” (Relax), in addition to updating his classics for new generations. His schedule of shows was living proof that the artist, now more mature, was still the vibrant entertainer that the public had warmly welcomed since 1993.
Iran Costa’s life story, marked by a childhood of deprivation in Maranhão and the conquest of Portugal through hard work, gives him remarkable resilience. It is this spirit of overcoming adversity that, his admirers hope, will help him fully recover and quickly return to the stage.
Currently, Iran Costa is focused on his recovery, with total attention on his health to ensure there are no lasting effects. Although his return to performances is postponed, his presence on digital platforms and the support of the public continue to be a driving force for the “crocodile” to return soon to devour another summer of successes.
