Popcorn (Romanian music style)

History#

In Romania, dance music started growing in popularity in the underground scene after the fall of the Ceaușescu communist regime in 1989. Since then, the Mamaia resort had established itself as a venue for international DJs. Romania’s entry into the European Union in 2007 facilitated contact with international music for local musicians and songwriters. It is featured on their 2010 studio album Popcorn, after which the genre is named. Production trio Play & Win were also involved in the genre’s development and worked on material for Akcent and Inna, among others. The genre eventually became mainstream internationally, with “Stereo Love” by Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina, and “Mr. Saxobeat” by Alexandra Stan notably developing into worldwide hit singles. The popularity of popcorn music declined after the early 2010s. Other notable artists include Tom Boxer, Antonia, Andreea Bănică, Deepside Deejays, Nick Kamarera, DJ Rynno, Sylvia, DJ Sava and Raluka.