About
Biography
Connect-R, born Ștefan Relu Mihalache on June 9, 1982, in Bucharest, Romania, is a popular Romanian singer, rapper, songwriter, and actor. Growing up in a Romani family in the Rahova neighborhood, he loved music from a young age and started performing as a teenager. His passion for hip-hop and dance shaped his career.
Connect-R began his music journey in the late 1990s as part of a breakdance crew called Primul Pas. In 1997, at age 15, he joined the hip-hop group RAPsodia and started recording songs. He later formed the group Racola with Rimaru and DJ Alin, gaining attention in Romania’s underground rap scene. His big break came in 2000 when he signed with the label Roton and released his first hit, “Trenul vieții,” as part of the group Unu.
In 2006, Connect-R joined Arsenium and Natalia Gordienko to represent Moldova at the Eurovision Song Contest in Athens with the song “Loca.” They performed with dancers Andrei Ștefan, Cristian Fornea, and Ion Bivol. The song placed 20th with 22 points but became a hit in Romania, reaching #4 on the charts. This boosted his fame across Eastern Europe.
After Eurovision, Connect-R focused on his solo career. He released his debut album Daca dragostea dispare in 2007, featuring hits like “Vara nu dorm” and “Îți place.” His mix of hip-hop, pop, and reggae made him a star in Romania. Songs like “Marea Mea Dragoste” (2010) and “Tren de noapte” (2012) topped Romanian charts. He also collaborated with artists like Chris Brown on “Still” (2013) and released popular tracks like “Anii mei” (2016) and “Semnal” (2018).
Between 2021 and 2025, Connect-R stayed active in music and entertainment. In 2021, he released singles like “Fără tine” and “Ceartă-mă, mamă,” blending emotional lyrics with his signature style. In 2022, he dropped “Alo, alo” and “Femeia care mă vrea,” both hits with fans. He continued releasing music, including “În brațe” (2023) and “Cântă cu mine” (2024), which kept him relevant in Romania’s music scene. His YouTube channel grew, with videos like “Vara nu dorm” surpassing millions of views.
Connect-R also explored acting, appearing in Romanian TV shows and films, and served as a judge on talent shows like Next Star. In 2024, he performed at major Romanian festivals and collaborated with younger artists, staying connected to new trends. He remained a proud advocate for his Romani heritage, often speaking about unity and respect in his music.
