# Haddaway

> Trinidadian -German singer

**Wikidata**: [Q156783](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q156783)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haddaway)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/haddaway

## Summary
Haddaway is a Trinidadian-German singer known for his 1993 hit single "What Is Love," which became a global dance-pop sensation. Born Nestor Alexander Haddaway, he is recognized as a pioneer in electronic dance music, blending Caribbean rhythms with European pop culture.

## Biography
- Born: January 9, 1965, in Trinidad and Tobago
- Nationality: Trinidadian, German
- Education: Attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
- Known for: Pioneering electronic dance music with hits like "What Is Love"
- Employer(s): Arista Records
- Field(s): Music, electronic dance music

## Contributions
- Released the global hit "What Is Love" in 1993, which topped charts in multiple countries and became a defining track of the 1990s dance-pop era.
- Signed with Arista Records, contributing to the label's roster of influential electronic and pop artists.
- Blended Caribbean rhythms with European pop culture, creating a unique sound that influenced subsequent dance music trends.

## FAQs
### What is Haddaway known for?
Haddaway is known for his 1993 hit single "What Is Love," which became a global dance-pop sensation and defined the sound of electronic dance music in the 1990s.

### Where was Haddaway born?
Haddaway was born in Trinidad and Tobago on January 9, 1965.

### What record label was Haddaway signed to?
Haddaway was signed to Arista Records, a major American record label known for its contributions to hip-hop, R&B, pop, and soul music.

### What was Haddaway's nationality?
Haddaway holds dual nationality as a Trinidadian and a German citizen.

### What was Haddaway's educational background?
Haddaway attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he pursued his studies.

## Why They Matter
Haddaway's "What Is Love" revolutionized electronic dance music by merging Caribbean rhythms with European pop culture, creating a sound that resonated globally. The song's success paved the way for future dance-pop artists and solidified Haddaway's place in music history. His work influenced the 1990s dance-pop era and remains a landmark track in electronic music.

## Notable For
- First major electronic dance music artist to achieve global success with a blend of Caribbean and European influences.
- Pioneered the fusion of dance-pop and electronic music in the 1990s.
- Released "What Is Love," a defining track of the dance-pop era that topped charts worldwide.
- Signed with Arista Records, contributing to the label's roster of influential artists.
- Blended Caribbean rhythms with European pop culture, creating a unique sound that influenced subsequent dance music trends.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Haddaway was born Nestor Alexander Haddaway on January 9, 1965, in Trinidad and Tobago. He later moved to Germany, where he developed his musical career. Haddaway attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he pursued his studies. His educational background laid the foundation for his creative and professional development in the music industry.

### Musical Career and Breakthrough
Haddaway's career took off with the release of "What Is Love" in 1993. The song became a global hit, topping charts in multiple countries and defining the sound of electronic dance music in the 1990s. The track's success catapulted Haddaway to international fame and established him as a pioneer in the genre. His ability to blend Caribbean rhythms with European pop culture created a unique sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.

### Record Label and Industry Influence
Haddaway was signed to Arista Records, a major American record label known for its contributions to hip-hop, R&B, pop, and soul music. The label's association with Haddaway helped solidify his place in the music industry and provided him with the resources to produce and promote his work. Arista Records' imprint under Sony Music Entertainment further enhanced Haddaway's reach and influence in the global music market.

### Legacy and Influence
Haddaway's "What Is Love" remains a landmark track in electronic dance music, influencing subsequent artists and shaping the sound of the 1990s dance-pop era. The song's success paved the way for future dance-pop artists and solidified Haddaway's place in music history. His work continues to be celebrated for its innovative blend of Caribbean and European influences, making him a significant figure in the evolution of electronic dance music.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. MusicBrainz
4. BnF authorities
5. SNAC
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. BBC Things
9. Discogs
10. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
11. The Movie Database
12. Europeana