International music star Alexandru Manciu has been speaking to the Isle of Wight County Press ahead of his appearance at MAD-Aid’s Summer Gala in Rookley this weekend.

Alex rose to stardom in Moldova after winning the first season of the country’s version of Britain’s Got Talent, 'The Star Factory'.

In 2012, he was Moldova’s Eurovision entry candidate with his song ‘If You Leave’, missing out to Pasha Parfeny, who went on to finish 11th in the Grand Final.

Moving to the UK four years ago, Alex is studying music production and sound design, to further hone his skills.

Isle of Wight County Press: Alexandru Manciu at MAD-Aid's Bond Ball in 2020Alexandru Manciu at MAD-Aid's Bond Ball in 2020 (Image: MAD-Aid)

After being announced that he will be performing at MAD-Aid’s Summer Gala on Saturday, the County Press asked what guests can expect.

Alex said: “I will perform pop music, maybe I’ll sing some of our traditional Moldovan songs, and I’m thinking of performing some of my latest music I’ve made with the violin. It will be different genres of music!”

“I love to experiment with a lot of genres and love to give people emotion through music. Music is the way I speak to people."

"My music is not just about the writing and just playing something, it’s more about feelings that you have when you are listening to it.”


How to get your tickets for MAD-Aid's Summer Gala

Tickets to MAD-Aid's Summer Gala at Rookley Village Hall are available from the charity's website and directly from MAD-Aid DOT on York Avenue in East Cowes, during office hours.

All profits raised will go towards MAD-Aid’s projects, including the renovation of two wards in the main children’s hospital in the Moldovan capital of Chisinau.


Isle of Wight County Press: Moldovan music star Alexandru ManciuMoldovan music star Alexandru Manciu (Image: MAD-Aid)

Soon after moving to the UK, Alex met with MAD-Aid CEO Victoria Dunford and became one of the charity’s ambassadors, performing at the 2020 Bond Ball.

“I just want to make people feel good at the galas, enjoy the evening and help MAD-Aid raise more funds for what they do,” he said.

Alex said it was an amazing experience to win The Star Factory but explained that Moldova does not have much music industry development, making it “quite difficult to start a career”, prompting his decision to move to London.

Alex has recently released his new album 'The Seasons of Life' explores birth, childhood, happiness, struggles and acceptance in human life.

Having previously performed at MAD-Aid on the Island, Alex is no stranger to the shores of the Isle of Wight.

“It’s a really lovely Island,” Alex told the County Press, “I came to the Island in April with my family and spent four days there and enjoyed it a lot.

“It’s really nice, and it’s quiet, there’s a lot of nature and nice people. We will come back and have some holidays.”