With lyrics that capture life’s simple truths in a memorable way, Cornel Ilie is an architect of emotion, a poet of music who turns words into timeless refrains.
A musician, composer, and producer, Cornel Ilie is one of Romania’s most respected and enduring artists. As a founding member and lead singer of the beloved pop-rock band VUNK, he has created hits that have shaped Romanian music, including Prăjitura cu jeleu, Vreau o țară ca afară, Du-te vino, and Pleacă. In 2018, VUNK became the subject of Jur să spun adevărul, the first documentary about a Romanian band.
Beyond music, Cornel Ilie has composed film scores and written the soundtrack for Invizibilii, Romania’s first original musical. He is actively involved in social impact projects and, in 2015, launched Ziua Dorului, an annual celebration on May 13. As the author of the autobiographical book DEJA VU. 25 de ani de VUNK and the host of the podcast Ai puțin timp?, Cornel continues to expand his creative universe through storytelling and his newsletter, Lumea lunea.