Zhi-Vago

Zhi-Vago is a German dreamhouse and vocal trance project, founded by producers Claudio Mangione and Gottfried Engels – the latter also known for being behind the project Bellini. The collective featured the voices of singers Joan Wilson, Eliz Yavuz, Simone, and Cindy Gabriel, as well as the collaboration of Svan Taurus and Walter Edlington. Their journey began with a cover of U2’s With Or Without You, which was banned by the rock band’s management, preventing a dance version from existing. The first real success came with the single Celebrate the Love, performed by Joan Wilson and released on the Gang Go Music sublabel of the Edel group; it was released in several versions (Radio Version, Over The Clouds Mix, Club Mix) and would receive a Remix Edition. The following single, Dreamer, showcased the voice of Eliz Yavuz and offered mixes such as the Into Your Mind Mix, Club Mix, and Inner Voice Mix. Both tracks achieved some chart success. A reissue of their first attempt, With Or Without You, was planned as a CD including an FM Radio Mix, an Eternal Heart Mix, a Club Mix, and on the B-side, a remix of Dreamer (Chuck Mellow Mix). After the departure of Eliz Yavuz, a new single was released in May 1997: Teardrops From Heaven with singer Simone, featuring an FM Video Mix, Rainbow Mix, Club Mix, and Tears Of Allah Mix. The project then went on a hiatus for several years before returning in 2002 with Celebrate The Love 2002, a version remixed by Toby Lee Connor and DJ Garry that achieved good radio success, particularly in Russia.