Sergey Stepanov: The Saxophonist of O-Zone
Sergey Stepanov is a Moldovan saxophonist best known internationally as a member of the eurodance band O-Zone, whose hit 'Dragostea Din Tei' achieved global fame.
Born in Chișinău, Moldavian SSR, USSR, Stepanov rose to prominence in the early 2000s as part of O-Zone alongside Dan Bălan and Radu Sîrbu. The band achieved massive success with 'Dragostea Din Tei' (2003), which topped charts across Europe and became a viral internet phenomenon. O-Zone disbanded in 2005. Stepanov, easily recognizable by his prominent saxophone solos in the band's videos and performances, continued musical activities, including collaborations and solo performances, often leveraging his internet fame.
- Stepanov became an unexpected internet meme, often referred to as the 'Numa Numa Sax Guy' or 'Epic Sax Guy', due to his distinctive saxophone riff and intense performance style in the 'Dragostea Din Tei' music video.
- The viral nature of the 'Numa Numa' meme, based on a lip-sync video to O-Zone's song by Gary Brolsma, significantly boosted Stepanov's recognition online, separate from the band's original success.
- He embraced his meme status, performing the 'Epic Sax Guy' routine at various events, including gaming conventions and internet culture gatherings, long after O-Zone disbanded.
- Stepanov collaborated with other artists known for internet fame, such as violinist Lindsey Stirling, and formed the project 'SunStroke Project' with former O-Zone member Radu Sîrbu. SunStroke Project represented Moldova at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2010 and 2017.
- His iconic saxophone solo from 'Dragostea Din Tei' has been remixed, looped for hours, and featured in countless online videos and compilations, cementing its place in internet culture history.