Overview
Hi-Q was a Romanian pop group founded in 1996 in Brașov. The band achieved widespread popularity in Romania, being described by the newspaper Libertatea as one of the country's best‑known musical groups. Their repertoire combined mainstream pop with dance‑pop and Euro‑dance influences.
History
The original lineup consisted of singers Mihai Sturzu, Florin Grozea, and Dana Nălbaru. After releasing a series of hit singles, the group hosted its own television show on national Romanian TV. In 2003, vocalist Dana Nălbaru left Hi-Q to pursue a solo career; she was replaced by Nicoleta Drăgan, who remained with the band until 2008. Drăgan was succeeded by Anya Buxai, who performed until the original vocalist's return in October 2010. Hi-Q continued to record and perform until the group announced its dissolution on 31 July 2014 during a news‑magazine program presented by Teo Trandafir.
Members
- Mihai Sturzu – singer, manager (1996–2014)
- Florin Grozea – singer, songwriter, producer (1996–2014)
- Dana Nălbaru – lead vocalist (1996–2003, 2010–2014)
- Nicoleta Drăgan – vocalist (2003–2008)
- Anya Buxai – vocalist (2008–2010)
Additional supporting personnel included sound engineer Tuliga Florin, drummer Cristi Matesan, keyboardist Virgil Dulceanu, guitarist Mac Aciobăniței, among others.
Discography (selected singles)
- “Nu pot face nimic” (1998)
- “Apa de mare” (1999)
- “Cât te iubeam” (2001)
- “Tu ești dragostea mea” (2002) – Romanian Top 100 #1
- “Prea departe” (2002)
- “Dor de tine, dor de noi” (2003) – Romanian Top 100 #1
- “Buna dimineața” (2007)
- “Lose You” (2009)
- “Strada ta” (2012)
The band released several albums, including UrasQbesc (1999), Dă muzica mai tare!!! (2001), Razna (2006), and Când zâmbești (2012).
Labels
Hi-Q recorded under Roton (1998–2002) and later with Cat Music/Sony Music (2002–2014).
Legacy
During its 18‑year career, Hi-Q contributed numerous chart‑topping singles to the Romanian pop scene and maintained a prominent media presence through television appearances and live performances. Their breakup in 2014 marked the end of one of Romania’s most enduring pop acts of the late‑1990s and 2000s.