Corina Bud (; born January 26, 1980 in Satu Mare), better known as Corina, is a Romanian singer and fashion icon. She debuted in 2004 with the album Noi Doi, produced by Marius Moga. The lead single from the album, also titled "Noi Doi", reached fourth place in the Romanian Top 100.
The second album, named Îmi Place La Tine Tot (2005) produced two great singles, "Îmi Place La Tine Tot" and "Fără Tine", becoming the most broadcast Romanian hits in 2005, giving her the nickname "Corina Hits".
Her third album Face Off represents a significant change in the artist's singing style having dancehall, reggae, R&B, drum ‘n bass, hip hop, house and electro influences, but still remaining a pop/dance album. The album produced two big singles, "Quieres Una Aventura" and "Overdrive". In parallel in discussion with Warner Music, Corina released her fourth album " Gimme Your Love" in July 2008, which received critical acclamation. The album was produced and recorded in Germany, in a Hamburg-based studio, under the supervision of Toni Cottura, with a guest feature from Lumidee on the song "Let Go".
Corina went on to be internationally recognised with single " No Sleepin' " feat JJ (2011), signed to Sony Music France & Bianco Y Negro Spain, the song peaked Top 10 in Poland and Spain, as well as covered by German pop group LaVive, reaching within Top 20 in Germany and Austria, and Top 30 within Switzerland. No Sleepin' was nominated for Best Video Category at the Romanian Music Awards (RMA), additionally performed by the singer, who went home taking the award for Fashion Icon in 2011.
In 2019 the artist was chosen by Disney Channel Romania to perform the main theme for the Romanian dub of the movie Kim Possible.
Early life
Corina was born in Satu Mare, to mother Ileana, a retired baker with a Ukrainian background, and father Vasile, a retired carpenter.
She comes from a family of "Oșeni", a group of people originated from a region known to be one of the most original and picturesque ethno-folklore areas in Romania.
The singer grew up listening to rock and alternative music. Supported by her father, who has a native talent for singing, Corina began discovering her passion for music at the early age of 8, by participating in musical contests and singing in the church choir.
She graduated from Economics High School and The Romanian University of Economic Studies with a degree in Finance, Accounting and Management.
Corina also has a degree in law. At the age of 23, she initially wanted to become a lawyer but decided to pursue her musical career instead.
Musical career
2004 – 2009
Corina debuted in 2004 with the single Noi Doi featuring Pacha Man, produced by Marius Moga, accompanied by a music video and her first interpreted character "Urban Lollita". The song peaked at No.4 on the Romanian Top 100 Charts, giving Corina notoriety and a fanbase across the country. Not long after, she released her debut album, also entitled "Noi Doi".
Her second album "Îmi Place La Tine Tot" marked by single "Fără Tine" and "Îmi Place La Tine Tot" featuring Don Baxter, became the most broadcast Romanian Hits in 2005, giving her the nickname "Corina Hits" for choosing great records.
Several years after the communist regime, cultural openness was still something to be explored by artists across Romania. Corina distinguished herself by delving and pushing her imaginative limits in her concept themed videos. In 2006 she released "Overdrive" encapsulating Otaku fashion.
"The character I wanted to live with would reinterpret the manga culture, a cumulus of details (eyes with deep and deep pupils, restless emotions, violence, innocence, and alienation). My team supported this idea and I was not afraid to talk to the world about a community that borrows and lives a global anime lifestyle."
Late 2006, while frequenting the offices of Warner Music Germany, she met Fun Factory producer, Toni Cottura and they instantly became well-suited. The two collaborated on single "Quieres Una Aventura" followed by the release of her third album "Face Off" taking her fans through a journey of parkour, yamanba girls & dance battles.
Corina's fourth album, "Gimme Your Love" was fully produced by Toni, and marked by a feature from Lumidee on "Let Go".