Nito Mestre

Carlos Alberto Mestre, known professionally as Nito Mestre, is an Argentine musician, singer, songwriter, and actor. He is widely recognized as a founding member of Sui Generis, the influential rock duo he formed with Charly García, and as a member of PorSuiGieco. After Sui Generis disbanded in 1975, Mestre led Nito Mestre y los Desconocidos de Siempre before launching a solo career in the early 1980s.

Mestre remains active in music, touring and recording well into his seventies. In 2026, he continues to perform, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sui Generis's farewell with a series of concerts. His enduring presence in Argentine rock and his distinctive voice have kept him a beloved figure among fans of the genre. [edit]

Nito Mestre was born on August 3, 1952, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His father was a doctor, and Mestre grew up surrounded by the medical profession, though music drew him early. He attended school where he met Charly García, and together they formed a band called La Indignación del Siglo in the late 1960s. This early group laid the groundwork for Sui Generis, which officially came together in 1969 with García, Mestre, Rolando Fortich, Liam Young, Alberto Rodriguez, and Carlos Piegari.

Mestre played guitar, flute, and sang, while García handled keyboards and vocals. The band initially played covers and original material in Buenos Aires's emerging rock scene. As Sui Generis evolved, most members drifted away, leaving Mestre and García as the core duo. Their early performances and demos caught attention, leading to a record deal and the release of their debut album, "Vida," in 1972. [edit]

Sui Generis released "Vida" in 1972, which became a landmark in Argentine rock. The duo followed with "Confesiones de Invierno" in 1973 and "Pequeñas Anécdotas sobre las Instituciones" in 1974, solidifying their reputation. The band's farewell concert in 1975 drew massive crowds, marking the end of an era. Mestre then formed Nito Mestre y los Desconocidos de Siempre, featuring María Rosa Yorio, Rodolfo Gorosito, Alfredo Toth, Ciro Fogliatta, and Juan Carlos "Mono" Fontana. This group released two albums before Mestre went solo in the early 1980s.

His solo discography includes "Canta A Sui Generis" (1993) and "Colores Puros" (1999), along with recent singles like "Acercate a Mi" (2024) and "Cirugía" (2025). In 2022, he marked 70 years of life and 50 years of career with a concert. In 2023, he performed at a gala for the 213th anniversary of the May Revolution and celebrated 50 years of "Vida" at Teatro Plaza. In 2025, he reunited with Charly García, and in 2026 he continues touring for the 50th anniversary of Sui Generis's farewell. [edit]

Nito Mestre is regarded as a foundational figure in Argentine rock, often called a living legend. His image blends the rebellious spirit of the 70s with a thoughtful, articulate persona. He is known for his distinctive voice and his ability to connect with audiences across generations. On social media, he engages with fans directly, often sharing memories of Sui Generis and promoting his current projects. His response to an anti-vaccine individual in 2022 showed his no-nonsense attitude, reinforcing his reputation as someone who speaks his mind. [edit]

Nito Mestre commands a following defined less by organized fervor and more by a deep, intergenerational reverence for the Argentine rock canon. His audience is a unique blend of those who lived through the Sui Generis era and younger fans discovering the raw emotion of his flute-driven melodies and poetic lyrics. While there is no formal moniker for his supporters, the fanbase operates as a collective custodian of history, gathering in venues from Mar del Plata to Mendoza to celebrate half-centuries of musical legacy. The recent 50th-anniversary reunion of PorSuiGieco's sole studio record served as a focal point for this community, proving that the demand for his work transcends mere nostalgia. Unlike modern acts driven by viral trends or digital campaigns, Mestre's connection relies on the enduring power of his live performances and his articulate engagement with cultural issues. This organic devotion has sustained him for decades without the need for manufactured hype or specific ritualistic gatherings documented in public records. Despite his massive cultural footprint in Latin America, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Nito Mestre but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list).[edit]

Carlos Alberto Mestre studied medicine at university, following his father's profession, though he never practiced. He is known for his sharp wit, as shown in his 2022 response to an anti-vaccine comment: "I am rebellious, not stupid." He is fluent in playing the flute, which he incorporated into Sui Generis's sound. Mestre's nickname "Nito" has been his stage name throughout his career. He has a keen interest in photography and often shares behind-the-scenes shots on social media. A particularly iconic moment in his later career occurred during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of PorSuiGieco's only album, where the band reunited to perform their sole studio record for a packed house, marking a pivotal milestone in the band's legacy. Another significant event was his return to Mar del Plata, where he performed a set dedicated to his work with Sui Generis, delighting long-time followers. These events highlight his status as a living historian of Argentine rock, though specific folklore regarding extraordinary crowd reactions or viral disruptions remains undocumented in available sources.[edit]

Nito Mestre has been married to Stella Mestre, and together they have a son, Fernando. His father was a doctor, a detail he has referenced when discussing his own medical studies. The family has remained largely private, with Mestre often sharing glimpses of his personal life on social media. He has mentioned that his son has been supportive of his musical career. [edit]

Nito Mestre is closely associated with Charly García, his longtime collaborator and co-founder of Sui Generis. The duo's partnership defined Argentine rock in the 1970s. Mestre also worked with musicians like María Rosa Yorio and Rodolfo Gorosito in his post-Sui Generis band. [edit]

Nito Mestre has been married to Stella Mestre for many years. The couple has a son, Fernando. Details about their early relationship are scarce, but they have remained together through his long career. Mestre has not been publicly linked to other romantic partners, and his marriage appears stable. As of 2026, he is still married to Stella. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Nito Mestre's net worth at $5 million as of 2026. His income stems from decades of music sales, royalties from Sui Generis's catalog, and live performances. His solo albums and collaborations continue to generate revenue. Mestre has also earned from appearances and interviews. His ongoing tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sui Generis's farewell contributes significantly to his earnings. While exact figures are private, his long and influential career has secured a comfortable financial standing.[edit]