Enigma

Formation

Enigma is a German musical project founded in 1990 by Romanian-German musician and producer Michael Cretu. Before creating Enigma, Cretu had a successful career producing albums for various artists, including his then-wife, German pop singer Sandra. The project was conceived in Ibiza, where Cretu built a home recording studio and collaborated with David Fairstein and Frank Peterson. Enigma's unique sound was characterized by a blend of new-age and worldbeat music, aiming to break away from traditional music norms.

Breakthrough

The group's debut album, "MCMXC a.D.," was released in December 1990 and became a massive commercial success, propelled by the hit single "Sadeness (Part I)," which topped charts in 24 countries. The album's innovative use of Gregorian chants mixed with atmospheric music and dance beats set a new standard in the genre. Following this success, Enigma released several other albums, including "The Cross of Changes" and "Le Roi est mort, vive le Roi!" which continued to explore themes of spirituality and mysticism.

Lineup Changes and Legacy

Over the years, Enigma's lineup evolved, with notable members including Louisa Stanley, Sandra, and Ruth-Ann Boyle contributing lead vocals at different times. Michael Cretu remained the constant driving force behind the project, often credited as "Curly M.C." Enigma's influence on the music industry is significant, inspiring various other projects that adopted similar styles and marketing approaches. The project has received numerous awards, including multiple platinum certifications worldwide, solidifying its place in the new-age music genre.