Kirka

Kirka
Kirka during his last public performance in January 2007
Kirka during his last public performance in January 2007
Background information
Birth nameKirill Babitzin
Born(1950-09-22)22 September 1950
Helsinki, Finland
OriginHelsinki, Finland
Died31 January 2007(2007-01-31) (aged 56)
Helsinki, Finland
GenresFinnish rock
Hard rock (1986–1987)
Pop
Occupationsinger
Years active1962–2007
WebsiteKirka.com in English

Kirill "Kirka" Babitzin (Russian Кирилл Бабицын, 22 September 1950 – 31 January 2007) was a Finnish vocalist and musician. One of the most commercially successful artists from Finland, his career spanned from the late 1960s until his death in 2007.

Previously associated with Ilkka Lipsanen's The Islanders band, Kirka went on to record a wide array of rock and pop music. Some of his most famous songs include Hetki Lyö (Beat the Clock), Leijat (Kites) and Varrella virran (Down by the River). His 1988 album Surun Pyyhit Silmistäni (The Sadness in Your Eyes) went on to be one of the best sold records in Finnish history. He also represented Finland in the 1984 Eurovision Song Contest.