Corona is a legendary Italian music project in the genres of eurodance and italo disco, which gained worldwide fame in the mid-1990s thanks to the hit “The Rhythm of the Night”. This track became one of the symbols of the era, topping international charts and making Corona one of the most recognizable names on the dance scene of the ’90s.
The founder of Corona is Italian producer Checco Bontempi (also known as Lee Marrow), and the face and vocalist of the group is Brazilian singer Olga Souza. Their collaboration defined a sound that blended Latin charisma with European club energy.
Formation and Rise to Fame
Corona was formed in 1993 in Italy. Producer Checco Bontempi, already experienced in eurodance, wanted to create a project that combined memorable melodies, club rhythms, and powerful vocals. He invited Olga Souza — a native of Rio de Janeiro, model, and TV host who had moved to Italy — to become the face of the project.
In 1994, Corona released their debut single “The Rhythm of the Night”. The song instantly became a hit: No. 1 in Italy, No. 2 in the UK, Top 10 in the US and Canada, and a club anthem across Europe. Its catchy chorus, danceable beat, and colorful video made it a eurodance classic and one of the most iconic tracks of the 1990s.
Albums and Hits
The Rhythm of the Night (1995)
The debut album, released on DWA Records, featured multiple hits: “Baby Baby”, “Try Me Out”, and “I Don’t Wanna Be a Star”. These singles cemented Corona’s success and established the project as a leader of Europe’s dance scene. The album achieved platinum status in numerous countries and became one of the best-selling eurodance releases of the decade.
Walking on Music (1998)
The second album showed Corona’s evolving sound, incorporating house and Latin influences. Tracks like “Walking on Music” and “Magic Touch” became favorites on Italian radio and in clubs.
And Me U (2001)
The third album, released in the new millennium, embraced a more modern club sound, blending house and pop-dance. Corona continued touring, while early hits remained staples of retro playlists.
Y Generation (2010)
This release marked Corona’s return to the stage with refreshed sound and new interpretations of her legendary hits.
Style and Influence
Corona became a symbol of classic ’90s eurodance — fast tempo (130–140 BPM), synthesizers, catchy choruses, and female vocals combined with dynamic male rap inserts. Olga’s image — a sunny, joyful, dancing woman — perfectly captured the spirit of the era: freedom, positivity, and celebration on the dancefloor.
Corona’s hits are still played at retro festivals, radio stations, and “Best of the 90s” compilations. “The Rhythm of the Night” has been remixed, reissued, and sampled by modern artists. British acts such as Corona Smith and Bastille used fragments of the track in their own versions, bringing the hit back to the charts in the 21st century.
Touring and Performances
Corona has toured extensively across the globe — from Europe and Asia to Latin America and the USA. The project has performed at major festivals such as 90s Forever, We Love the 90s, and Retro FM Dance, as well as club venues in Italy, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Brazil.
Olga Souza continues to represent Corona on stage, performing live sets and retro shows that consistently draw full houses and evoke warm nostalgia among 90s fans.
Achievements
- Platinum certification for The Rhythm of the Night in multiple countries
- Over 5 million copies sold worldwide
- No. 1 in Italian and European charts
- 300+ million streams on digital platforms
- The video for “The Rhythm of the Night” — one of the most recognizable clips of the ’90s
Interesting Facts
- The actual vocals on “The Rhythm of the Night” were recorded by singer Jenny B, while Olga Souza served as the project’s visual frontwoman.
- Olga is originally from Brazil but built her career in Italy, merging South American energy with European style.
- Corona is often called the “Queen of Eurodance” for her role in popularizing the genre.
- “The Rhythm of the Night” has appeared in dozens of films and TV series, including Beavis and Butt-Head and Holidays.
- In the 2020s, Corona remains a regular headliner at retro-music festivals, maintaining her status as one of the most in-demand artists of the ’90s.
Legacy
Corona is more than a music project — it is a symbol of the dance culture of the 1990s. Her songs continue to unite generations of listeners, reminding them of a time when the dancefloor was a place of joy, light, and freedom. “The Rhythm of the Night” remains an ageless anthem of positive energy and love for life, still played at parties around the world.
