The international success of the pop trio O-Zone hinged on the 2004 global reach of their hit single Dragostea din tei. Radu Sîrbu, a core member of that group, utilized his background as a disc jockey and vocal instructor to pivot from Moldovan music scenes to a career as a producer and performer based in Bucharest.
Early Development in Moldova
Born on December 14, 1978, in Peresecina, Sîrbu spent his childhood in various cities, including Orhei and Bălți. He eventually returned to his birthplace to finish high school while working as a nightclub DJ. His early interest in performance led him to establish Artshow, a studio for children and teenagers. After graduating in 1996, he enrolled at the Chișinău Music Conservatory and provided vocal training to young students.
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In 2001, Dan Balan selected Sîrbu to join the pop group O-Zone alongside Arsenie Todiras. The trio gained momentum in Moldova before moving to Bucharest in 2002 to broaden their reach. Their initial success in Romania arrived with the track Despre Tine. International prominence followed with the release of Dragostea din tei, which led to a contract with Time Records. The song topped charts across Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, and France, dominating the Eurochart Hot 100 for twelve weeks.
Solo Projects and Production
O-Zone disbanded in 2005, prompting Sîrbu to pursue solo work and production. He released his album Alone, featuring tracks such as Whap-pa and Doi străini. As a producer, he collaborated with DJ Layla on the track Single Lady, which achieved a number-one position in Moscow. Later, he established the Wild Rose Project, through which he produced the 2014 song Dynamite by Liza Fox. The track reached the top 40 charts in the United Kingdom.
Continued Collaborations
Sîrbu maintains a diverse professional output, frequently working with other artists. He reunited with former bandmate Arsenium for the 2007 single July and again in 2020 for the track Lay Down. His production credits include songs featuring Sianna, such as Emotion and Broken Heart. He currently resides in Romania with his wife, Ana Sîrbu, and their children.
Fast facts
- Born: 14 December 1978, Peresecina, Moldova
- Band: O-Zone
- Occupations: Singer, disc jockey, producer
- Notable hit: Dragostea din tei
- Base of operations: Bucharest, Romania
- Solo album: Alone
- Production brand: Wild Rose Project
Questions readers ask
What is Radu Sîrbu's professional focus today?
He works as a music producer, having managed projects for artists such as DJ Layla and Liza Fox.
Is Radu Sîrbu still active in the music industry?
Yes, he continues to record and release music, including collaborations such as the 2020 track Lay Down.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: pop music