Nestor Alexander Haddaway, a Trinidadian-born German singer-songwriter of considerable renown, burst onto the global music scene in the year 1993 with his epochal chart-topping hit single "What Is Love", which remarkably attained the pinnacle of success, ascending to the coveted number one position in an astonishing 13 countries worldwide.
Nestled within the confines of January's chilly grasp, on the ninth day of the month in the year nineteen sixty-five, a future musical icon took his first breath. Haddaway, a name that would soon become synonymous with melodic mastery, began his life's journey in the bustling metropolis of Chicago. However, the allure of the nation's capital soon proved too great, and at the tender age of nine, he bid farewell to his Windy City roots and relocated to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
As he navigated the complexities of childhood, Haddaway's ears were treated to the soulful sounds of Louis Armstrong, an encounter that would forever alter the trajectory of his life. Inspired by the jazz legend's virtuosity, Haddaway's fingers began to dance upon the valves of a trumpet, his passion for the instrument igniting at the tender age of 14.
Notable individual, Haddaway, embarked on his educational journey at Meade Senior High School in Fort Meade, Maryland, where he actively participated in the esteemed marching band, ultimately paving the way for the formation of his inaugural group, Chances.
In 1987, Haddaway pursued a medical career by enrolling in medical school, however, his enthusiasm waned due to the lack of excitement, prompting him to abandon his academic pursuits and relocate to Cologne, West Germany.
Upon settling in Cologne, Haddaway gained valuable experience by working in local taverns, before venturing into entrepreneurship by establishing his own company, Energy, which specialized in the organization of fashion shows and photo shoots.
Nestled within the calendar year of 1992, the talented artist Haddaway embarked on a significant milestone by inking a deal with the renowned German record company, Coconut Records. This pivotal decision would ultimately pave the way for the release of his debut single, "What Is Love," which was destined to captivate the hearts of music enthusiasts across the European continent.
As the single began to gain traction, it swiftly ascended the charts, ultimately reaching the prestigious position of number two in both Germany and the United Kingdom. This remarkable feat was met with widespread acclaim, as the single went on to sell an impressive 900,000 copies in Germany and 400,000 in the United Kingdom. As a testament to its enduring popularity, "What Is Love" earned a coveted music recording certification of Gold, solidifying its place as a timeless classic within the realm of popular music.
As Haddaway's musical career continued to unfold, his subsequent singles, comprising "Life", "I Miss You", and "Rock My Heart", achieved remarkable success in Europe, thereby reinforcing his reputation as a prominent figure in the Eurodance genre. This impressive streak of top 10 hits further cemented his status as a successful artist within the European music scene.
His inaugural album, aptly titled The Album, went on to become a multi-million seller, thereby earning Platinum certification in Germany and Gold recognition in both the UK and France.
In the year 1995, a pivotal moment in the musical career of a prominent artist unfolded, as he unveiled his second studio album, aptly titled The Drive. This milestone release boasted an impressive lineup of tracks, with one notable single, "Fly Away", soaring to the prestigious rank of UK top 20 hit.
Moreover, other popular tracks within the album's repertoire garnered significant attention and acclaim. However, it was not until "What Is Love" was adopted as the theme music for the beloved characters, the Butabi brothers, on the iconic television program Saturday Night Live, that its popularity truly reached new heights.
Subsequently, in 1998, the song's fame experienced a resurgence, this time in the realm of cinema, as it was featured as the soundtrack for the comedy film A Night at the Roxbury.
After the moderate success of his debut album, Haddaway went on to release two subsequent albums, Let's Do It Now in 1998 and My Face in 2001, which unfortunately failed to make a significant impact on the music charts.
In an effort to revive his career, Haddaway made appearances on various television shows, including the German reality television series Comeback – Die große Chance, as well as the UK and US versions of the popular talent show Hit Me, Baby, One More Time.
The year 2008 proved to be a pivotal moment in the history of pop culture, as the iconic song "What Is Love" by Haddaway took center stage in a highly anticipated commercial for Diet Pepsi MAX. This groundbreaking advertisement aired during Super Bowl XLII, captivating the attention of millions of viewers worldwide. The commercial cleverly parodied the song's memorable leitmotif, incorporating a star-studded cast of characters. While Haddaway himself did not make a personal appearance in the ad, his legendary tune undoubtedly stole the show.
