“What Is Love” is a song by Trinidadian-German singer Haddaway, released as his debut single from his debut album, The Album (1993). The song, both written and produced by Dee Dee Halligan and Karin Hartmann-Eisenblätter, was released by Coconut Records in January 1993. It was a hit across Europe, becoming a number-one single in at least 13 countries and reaching number two in Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Outside Europe, the single peaked at number 11 in the United States, number 12 in Australia, number 17 in Canada, and number 48 in New Zealand.
“What Is Love” earned Haddaway two awards at the German 1994 Echo Award, in the categories “Best National Single” and “Best National Dance Single.” The music video for “What Is Love” was directed by Volker Hannwacker and received heavy rotation on music television such as MTV Europe. The song remains Haddaway’s most popular and signature song.
