Kirka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kirka
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Kirka during his last public performance in January 2007
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Kirill Babitzin |
| Born | 22 September 1950 Helsinki, Finland |
| Origin | Helsinki, Finland |
| Died | 31 January 2007 (aged 56) Helsinki, Finland |
| Genres | Finnish rock Hard rock (1986–1987) Pop |
| Occupation(s) | singer |
| Years active | 1962–2007 |
| Associated acts | Creatures Islanders Sarcofagus |
Kirill "Kirka" Babitzin (born September 22, 1950 – died January 31, 2007) was a very popular Finnish musician. He was known for his rock and pop music. Kirka sang for many years, from the late 1960s until he passed away in 2007.
He used to sing with a band called The Islanders. Later, Kirka recorded many different rock and pop songs as a solo artist. Some of his most famous songs are "Hetki Lyö," "Leijat," and "Varrella virran." His 1988 album, Surun Pyyhit Silmistäni, became one of the best-selling records in Finnish history. Kirka also represented Finland in the 1984 Eurovision Song Contest.
Contents
Early Life and Music
Kirill Babitzin was born in Helsinki, Finland, in 1950. His family was from Russia. His father, Leon Babitzin, came from Saint Petersburg and moved to Finland after the October Revolution. His mother, Elizaveta Babitzin, had some German-Russian family and was born in Lappeenranta.
Kirka started playing music when he was five years old. His grandmother gave him an accordion. He even won an accordion competition when he was ten. This showed his early talent for music.
Kirka's Musical Journey
Kirka joined his first band, The Creatures, in 1964. This is when he started using his stage name, Kirka.
He became more famous when he joined The Islanders band in 1967. This band was very popular, and Kirka helped make it even bigger. He also recorded music with another band called Blues Section. Kirka used his growing fame to start his own solo career soon after.
Kirka often said that his 1960s hit song, "Hetki lyö," was his greatest achievement. He sang this song with The Islanders. Even though he was very successful in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Kirka had some money problems in the late 1970s.
In 1984, Kirka represented Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest. He sang the song "Hengaillaan" and finished in a strong ninth place. Four years later, he had his biggest hit with "Surun pyyhit silmistäin." This was a sad pop song. Even though it was a huge success, Kirka always stayed true to his rock and roll roots.
Kirka won the Emma award for best male singer twice. He won in 1984 and again in 2000. Kirka suddenly passed away on January 31, 2007, at his home. He died from an illness. His wife, Paula Nummela, is a jewellery designer.
Kirka's Family of Musicians
Many of Kirka's brothers and sisters were also talented musicians. In 1978, Kirka released an album with his sister Anna Babitzin. The next year, another sister, Marija, known as "Muska," joined them for another album.
Kirka's brother, Sammy Babitzin, was also a popular rock musician. Sadly, Sammy died in a car crash in 1973. Sammy's famous song, "Daada daada," tells a story about driving fast.
Kirka's Music Records
Kirka Babitzin released 78 singles and almost 60 albums during his career. This also included 15 collection albums. Kirka's album Surun pyyhit silmistäni (1988) was once the best-selling album in Finnish history. It is now the third best-selling album ever in Finland.
See also
In Spanish: Kirka para niños
- List of best-selling music artists in Finland
