Satoshi

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Vlad Sabajuc, known by his stage name Satoshi, is a 27-year-old singer-songwriter and rapper from Cahul, a city in southwest Moldova. From an early age he showed a passion for music. He began writing songs in the seventh grade and even taught himself to play the drums. To further hone his talents, he studied music at the Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts in Chișinău. In 2019, he officially launched his musical project under the name Satoshi, marking the start of his professional career.

Breakthrough and Albums

By early 2022, Satoshi’s growing presence in the music scene led him to sign with the record label Versus, part of the BR Media Group. Later that year, he released his debut album, which helped establish him as a rising star in Moldova. He proved to be remarkably prolific. Since 2019 he has released three albums along with numerous hit singles. This steady output of music showcased his unique style and built him a dedicated fanbase.

Growing Success and Collaborations

As his popularity grew, Satoshi began collaborating with some of the region’s biggest artists. He teamed up with acclaimed Moldovan pop stars Carla’s Dreams and Irina Rimes on new music projects. He even worked with Romanian hip-hop artist Guess Who, expanding his reach into the broader Romanian music scene. These high-profile collaborations further raised Satoshi’s profile across Moldova and neighboring Romania. In 2024, the rising artist took his sound abroad for the first time. He played his first show in London, England, introducing his music to an international audience. He continued to release new material and perform live; in 2025, Satoshi put out a collaborative EP with fellow Moldovan rappers Feoctist and Magnat, which he also took on tour around the country.

Musical Style and Influences

Moreover, Satoshi’s musical style is known for blending energetic beats with meaningful, introspective lyrics. He draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, from American rock/rap icons like Linkin Park and Eminem to Moldova’s own rock band Zdob și Zdub. His repertoire is very versatile, with songs ranging from somber, reflective tracks to hyperdynamic and motivational anthems that energize listeners. This mix of influences and moods has helped him connect with a wide audience, making his music both personal and crowd-pleasing.

Road to Eurovision 2026

In late 2025, Satoshi entered Selecția Națională 2026, Moldova’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. On 17 January 2026, he triumphed in the competition, winning first place and earning the honor of representing Moldova at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. His performance of the self-written song “Viva, Moldova!” won by a landslide. Satoshi received the maximum 12 points from the international jury, the Moldovan jury, and the public televote alike. “Viva, Moldova!” is an upbeat ode to his home country, packed with references to local Moldovan culture and music.

Now Satoshi is set to take the big stage in May 2026. He will perform during the first semi-final on 12 May in Vienna. Notably, this opportunity also marks Moldova’s return to Eurovision after a one-year hiatus in 2025.