Fun Factory
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Fun Factory was a German Eurodance group in the 1990s. It was produced by Toni Cottura.
History
The group was founded in 1993 with four members: Balja, Steve, Rod D., and Smooth T. They released their first CD, NonStop! The Album in 1994. Their second CD Close To You was released in 1995. Before its release, lead singer Balja was replaced with Marie-Anett Mey. Balja can still be seen in the video to Groove Me, and his vocals are heard on the entire album. This album includes most of the songs from their first release, including several hits such as "Close To You", "Take Your Chance", "I Wanna B With U", and "Pain".
In 1996, Fun Factory released their second album, Fun-Tastic, which contained several hits such as "Celebration", "Do Wah Diddy", "I Love You", and a rap remake of "I Wanna B With U" from their first and second albums. By this time they began to become more popular throughout Europe, and even saw some of their songs chart in the USA and Canada. In 1997 they released a greatest hits album. The original group disbanded after this release.
In 1998, a new Fun Factory formed with an all-new lineup. Their first release, Next Generation, came out in 1999 and sold over 100,000 copies. The music on this new release differed from the style of the first Fun Factory, and were mostly rap, reggae, or pop. Singles from this album include "Sha-la-la-la-la", "Party With Fun Factory", and "Fun Factory's Millennium Theme".
Their final album, ABC of Music was released in 2002. The new Fun Factory disbanded shortly afterward.
Members
Original Fun Factory:
- Balja: The original lead singer, replaced by Marie-Anett Mey before the first album was released. Balja can be
- Marie-Anett Mey: Second lead singer. Born in Paris, France.
- Smooth T.: Real name is Toni Cottura. Born in Italy.
- Steve: Real name is Stephan Browarezyk. Backing vocalist.
- Rod D.: Real name is Rodney Hardison. Born in America.
New Fun Factory:
- Annett: Lead singer. Real name is Annett Möller.
- Al: Lead singer and rapper. Real name is Alfonso Walser.
- T-Roc: Rapper. Also called Tiger One or Tiger Style.