Radu Sîrbu

Radu Sîrbu is a Moldovan singer, music producer, and DJ, best known as a founding member of the pop trio O-Zone. Born Radu Alexeevici Sîrbu, he achieved international fame with the group's 2004 hit "Dragostea din tei," a song that became a global phenomenon and one of the best-selling singles of its era. Today, Sîrbu continues to work as a solo artist and DJ, performing under the aliases RadU and Picasso, while also producing music for other artists.

Based in Bucharest, Romania, Sîrbu has built a career that spans over three decades, from his early days in Moldova to his current status as a respected figure in Eastern European pop music. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans who remember O-Zone's heyday and a new generation discovering the "Numa Numa" meme. His enduring appeal lies in his ability to craft catchy, danceable tracks that resonate across cultures. [edit]

Radu Sîrbu was born on December 14, 1978, in the small village of Peresecina, in the Orhei district of Moldova. Growing up in a modest rural home, he developed an early passion for music, listening to Western pop and electronic acts on whatever recordings he could find. At the age of 16, in 1994, he began writing songs and experimenting with production, teaching himself the basics of studio work.

During his late teens, Sîrbu moved to the capital, Chișinău, to pursue music more seriously. He took on odd jobs while performing in local clubs and collaborating with emerging Moldovan artists. These early experiences sharpened his skills as a vocalist and producer, though he remained largely unknown outside his home country. The turning point came when he met Dan Bălan, a fellow musician with a shared vision for a new pop project. Together with Arsenie Todiraș, they formed O-Zone in 2001, initially recording in a small studio with limited resources. [edit]

O-Zone's breakthrough came in 2003 with the album DiscO-Zone, featuring the single "Dragostea din tei." The song topped charts in over 30 countries and became a viral internet sensation through the "Numa Numa" dance video. Sîrbu's harmonies and production input were central to the group's sound. In 2004, the trio won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Song, and their follow-up album Number 1 solidified their success.

After O-Zone disbanded in 2005, Sîrbu launched a solo career under the name Picasso, releasing tracks like "Whap-pa" and "Cine e fata?" He also worked as a producer for Romanian and Moldovan pop acts, and became a regular DJ at clubs across Eastern Europe. Throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, he has continued to perform at nostalgia events and electronic music festivals, occasionally reuniting with his former bandmates. As of 2026, he remains active, releasing new material and engaging with fans online. [edit]

Radu Sîrbu presents a laid-back, approachable persona, often seen in casual streetwear or athletic gear. His social media presence is a mix of studio sessions, DJ sets, and personal snapshots, giving fans a glimpse into his daily life. He is known for his warm interactions with followers, frequently responding to comments and sharing fan art. The O-Zone fandom, particularly those who grew up with "Dragostea din tei," holds him in high regard for his role in the group's success. He is also respected among electronic music enthusiasts for his production skills and versatility as a DJ. [edit]

Radu Sîrbu commands a distinct place in global pop culture history, anchored by the enduring legacy of his group O-Zone and their 2004 phenomenon "Dragostea din tei." While his solo work maintains a steady presence in Eastern Europe, his international profile fluctuates based on the cyclical resurgence of that viral hit. According to the August 2026 evaluation from iFANN, Radu Sîrbu is currently evaluated but holds no placement in the published Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This status reflects a career defined by one massive moment rather than sustained current chart dominance across all categories. The fanbase surrounding him lacks a formal, documented name; engagement remains centered on the collective memory of O-Zone rather than organized campaigns for the individual member. Unlike other artists with dedicated rituals, birthday billboards, or charity drives funded specifically by fans for Sîrbu, the community interaction is organic and tied to the nostalgia of the early 2000s. The band's reunion concert in Bucharest served as a gathering point for this audience, yet it was a general event for the trio. No specific anecdotes exist regarding extraordinary reactions solely attributed to Sîrbu, such as street shutdowns or crowds fainting at his personal appearances. His fame rests on the cultural mythology of the "Numa Numa" dance craze initiated by Gary Brolsma, which turned the song into a global meme. While Dan Bălan often receives credit as the primary songwriter, Sîrbu remains a recognized figure whose identity is inextricably linked to the group's energetic performances and the singular success of their catalog.[edit]

Radu Sîrbu operates under three distinct aliases: his birth name, RadU, and Picasso, the latter reflecting his artistic approach to production. He is an avid collector of vintage synthesizers that populate his home studio. In interviews, he has mentioned that his favorite food is mamaliga, a traditional Moldovan cornmeal dish. Sîrbu once appeared in a Romanian television commercial for a soft drink, dancing to a remix of "Dragostea din tei." He is also known for his love of football and supports FC Zimbru Chișinău. A widely retold story in the lore of O-Zone involves the viral spread of "Dragostea din tei" through the internet, where it became globally famous not just as a track but through the "Numa Numa" dance craze initiated by webcam star Gary Brolsma. This incident propelled the group to unprecedented chart success across Europe and beyond in 2004. Another notable detail in his personal history is that he is the only member of the trio to be married. The band reunited for a concert in Bucharest after 12 years apart, reaffirming their status as a nostalgic icon of early 2000s Europop.[edit]

Details about Radu Sîrbu's family are scarce, as he keeps his personal life private. He has not publicly named his parents or siblings, though he has mentioned growing up in a close-knit household in Peresecina. As of 2026, he is not married and has no publicly known children. He lives in Bucharest, where he runs his music studio, and has said that his former O-Zone bandmates are like family to him. He occasionally shares photos with friends and colleagues on social media, but rarely discusses his biological family. [edit]

Radu Sîrbu is closely associated with Dan Bălan and Arsenie Todiraș, his former O-Zone bandmates. The trio's collaborative chemistry defined an era of Eastern European pop. Beyond the group, Sîrbu has worked with Romanian producers like 3 Sud Est and Morandi, contributing vocals and production. His Instagram bio mentions @sianna.official, a likely collaborator or close friend, though their exact relationship is not public. [edit]

Radu Sîrbu has kept his romantic life out of the public eye, with no confirmed long-term relationships or marriages documented up to 2026. He has been linked to a few women in tabloid rumors, but none have been substantiated. His social media occasionally features female friends, but he has never publicly introduced a partner. As of 2026, he is reportedly single, focusing on his music career and personal projects. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Radu Sîrbu's net worth at $2 Million as of 2026, derived from a combination of ongoing royalties, live performances, and production work. The primary income stream is the perpetual licensing and streaming of "Dragostea din tei," which continues to generate revenue through radio plays, streaming platforms, and its use in commercials and memes. Sîrbu also earns from DJ gigs and club appearances across Europe, which command fees in the thousands per event. In addition, he produces tracks for other artists in the Romanian and Moldovan music scenes, receiving production credits and advances. His real estate holdings in Bucharest, while not publicly valued, contribute to his overall wealth. Over the years, his earnings have remained steady, with occasional spikes from reunion concerts and special events. The enduring popularity of O-Zone's catalog ensures a reliable income, making his financial situation stable despite the lack of recent chart-topping solo hits.[edit]

Radu Sîrbu's individual awards are limited, as most accolades came through O-Zone. He was part of the group that won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Song in 2004 for "Dragostea din tei." He has not received major solo awards, but his contributions to the group's success are widely recognized in the industry. [edit]