Kobza is a vocal and instrumental ensemble of Ukraine[1] from the 1970s and 1980s.[2] VIA "Kobza" was the first of the bands of the former Soviet Union to go on a commercial tour on the American continent (1982).[2] The original band leader was Oleksandr Zuev.[3] One of the songwriters and current bandleader is Yevhen Kovalenko.[4]